Davey Johnson, 2-Time World Series Winner, Dies at 82
Share and Follow


Johnson played 13 major league seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs.

NEW YORK — Davey Johnson, an All-Star second baseman who won the World Series twice with the Baltimore Orioles as a player and managed the New York Mets to the title in 1986, has died. He was 82.

Longtime Mets public relations representative Jay Horwitz said Johnson’s wife, Susan, informed him of his death after a long illness. Johnson was at a hospital in Sarasota, Florida, when he died Friday, Horwitz said.

Johnson played 13 major league seasons with Baltimore, the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs from 1965-78 and won the Gold Glove three times while being voted an All-Star four times. He managed the Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals during a span from 1984-2013.

Former Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo called it a tough day.

“Davey was a good man, close friend and a mentor,” Rizzo said in a text message. “A Hall of Fame caliber manager with a baseball mind ahead of his time.”

Darryl Strawberry, a member of the ’86 Mets, on social media called Johnson a remarkable leader who transformed the franchise into a winning organization.

“His ability to empower players to express themselves while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence was truly inspiring,” Strawberry posted on Instagram with a photo of him, Johnson and Dwight “Doc” Gooden. “Davey’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans and players alike. My heartfelt condolences go out to Susan Johnson and the entire Johnson family during this difficult time. He will be missed but remembered for his incredible impact on the game and the lives he touched.”

Ryan Zimmerman, who played for Johnson with Washington from 2011-13, said Johnson was an even better human than he was a baseball man.

“He knew how to get the best out of everyone — on and off the field,” Zimmerman said in a text message. “I learned so much from him, and my career would not have been the same without my years with him. He will be deeply missed by so many people.”

Johnson was AL manager of the year in 1997 when Baltimore won the division. He was NL manager of the year in 2012 when the Nationals made the playoffs for the first time since the move from Montreal.

“Davey was a world-class manager,” owner Mark Lerner said in a statement. “I’ll always cherish the memories we made together with the Nationals, and I know his legacy will live on in the heads and minds of our fans and those across baseball.”

AP National Writer Howard Fendrich contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.     

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
‘Missiles detonating mere feet away’: Air Force F-16 commander earns rare Silver Star for Middle East mission

Air Force F-16 Commander Awarded Rare Silver Star for Courageous Mission Amid Close Proximity Missile Detonations in the Middle East

In a daring display of courage and skill, Lt. Col. William “Skate”…
Jennifer Lawrence leads stars on red carpet at Gotham Film Awards

Jennifer Lawrence Shines as the Leading Star at the Gotham Film Awards Red Carpet

On Monday evening, New York City became the center of the entertainment…
Teen with dreams of lion taming mauled to death after climbing into enclosure at zoo

Tragic Incident: Aspiring Teen Lion Tamer Fatally Mauled After Entering Zoo Enclosure

A tragic incident unfolded in Brazil on Sunday morning when a 19-year-old…
Pastor announces gender transition during service with congregation: 'Giving up pretending to be a man'

Pastor Embraces Authentic Self: Announces Gender Transition in Courageous Congregational Service

A Methodist pastor in New York has recently shared plans to begin…
Ukraine puts land swaps and elections on the table for Putin meeting

Ukraine Proposes Land Swaps and Elections in New Peace Talks with Putin

Ukrainian leaders have recently engaged in extensive discussions with senior U.S. diplomats…
Harry and Meghan 'have to make money' to survive, insists Sussex camp

Financial Independence Crucial for Harry and Meghan’s Future, Affirms Sussex Representatives

In a recent defense of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, a source…
Cop describes recognizing Luigi Mangione when he pulled down mask at McDonald's

Police Officer Identifies Masked Luigi Mangione During McDonald’s Encounter

Last year, in an Altoona McDonald’s, a Pennsylvania police officer encountered Luigi…
Pope Leo XIV prays at site of 2020 Beirut port explosion, consoles relatives of victims on last day of trip

Pope Leo XIV Offers Prayers and Comfort to Victims’ Families at 2020 Beirut Port Explosion Site on Final Day of Visit

On Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV visited the site of the catastrophic 2020…