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 Johnsons wife informed him of his death after a long illness. Johnson was at a hospital in Sarasota, Florida, when he died.
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Johnson played 13 major league seasons with Baltimore, Atlanta, Philadelphia and the Chicago Chicago Cubs from 1965-78 and won the Gold Glove three times. He managed the Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals during a span from 1984-2013.
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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. Daveys 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.
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