Davey Johnson, a name etched deeply into the annals of Major League Baseball, has died at age 82 after a long illness, according to his wife Susan. Johnson passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at a hospital in Sarasota, Florida, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades as both a player and a manager. The baseball world is mourning the loss of a figure whose impact was felt from the dugout to the diamond and whose influence touched generations of players and fans alike.
Born on January 30, 1943, in Orlando, Florida, Johnson grew up in a military family and was raised in San Antonio, Texas. He played college baseball at Texas A&M before signing with the Baltimore Orioles in 1962, setting the stage for a career that would be defined by both excellence and innovation. As a player, Johnson was a four-time All-Star and won three Gold Gloves at second base. His 13-year major league career, spanning from 1965 to 1978, saw him don the uniforms of the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs.
Johnson’s prowess on the field was undeniable. He won two World Series titles with the Orioles in 1966 and 1970, anchoring a Baltimore team that was a perennial powerhouse. In 1973, while playing for the Braves, Johnson hit a career-high 43 home runs. That season, he joined teammates Darrell Evans (41) and Henry Aaron (40) to become the first trio of teammates in MLB history to each hit 40 home runs in the same year. Talk about a power surge!
But it was Johnson’s transition from player to manager that truly cemented his place in baseball lore. His first managerial job came with the New York Mets in the early 1980s. At just 43 years old, Johnson took the helm of a team known for its brash personalities and raw talent. The 1986 Mets, under his guidance, became champions in one of the most memorable World Series comebacks ever. When the winning run crossed the plate in Game 6, Johnson was right in the thick of the celebration, embodying the spirit of a manager who let his players express themselves while holding them to a high standard.
“His ability to empower players to express themselves while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence was truly inspiring,” Darryl Strawberry, one of the stars of that ’86 Mets team, posted on Instagram alongside a photo of himself, Johnson, and Dwight Gooden. “Davey’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans and players alike.”
Johnson’s tenure with the Mets lasted until 1990, but his managerial journey was far from over. He moved on to the Cincinnati Reds, where he managed from 1993 through 1995. Under his leadership, the Reds experienced a revival, finishing as divisional leaders in both 1994 and 1995. In the 1995 postseason, the Reds won their first playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers before falling to the Atlanta Braves, who would go on to win the World Series. Despite the success, Johnson was removed from his role at the end of the 1995 season by owner Marge Schott, a decision rooted in personal disagreements rather than baseball performance. The Reds would not win another playoff series or return as divisional leaders until 2010, highlighting the void left by Johnson’s departure.
Jim Bowden, who served as the Reds’ general manager during Johnson’s tenure, reflected on the manager’s influence: “He taught me so much about baseball, specifically how to build bullpens, develop young pitchers, and put together elite coaching staffs. He was a brilliant, kind leader and teammate.”
After Cincinnati, Johnson returned to Baltimore, this time as manager. His credibility allowed him to make bold moves, such as shifting Cal Ripken Jr. from shortstop to third base—a decision that paid off as the Orioles made the playoffs in each of his two seasons at the helm, their first postseason appearances since 1983. Johnson’s time with the Orioles ended in 1997 after a feud with owner Peter Angelos, but not before he was named American League Manager of the Year. He would later win the National League Manager of the Year award in 2012 with the Washington Nationals, making him one of the few to win the honor in both leagues.
Johnson’s stint with the Nationals was particularly significant. In 2012, he led the team to the best regular-season record in baseball and their first postseason appearance since the franchise moved from Montreal. “Davey was a world-class manager,” Nationals 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.”
Players who worked with Johnson often spoke of his unique ability to get the best out of them. Ryan Zimmerman, a key figure for the Nationals during Johnson’s tenure, said, “He knew how to get the best out of everyone — on and off the field. 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’s management style was a blend of old-school bluntness and forward-thinking innovation. He studied mathematics at Trinity University in Texas and was known for using data to optimize lineups long before analytics became a mainstay in baseball strategy. Even as a player, he would attempt to use numbers to influence the Orioles’ lineup, though Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver wasn’t about to hand over those reins. As a manager, however, Johnson’s innovative approach helped him push the right buttons at crucial moments.
Mike Bordick, who played shortstop for Johnson’s Orioles in 1997, remembered him fondly: “He was so easy to play for. He just knew the right buttons to push.”
Davey Johnson’s journey through baseball is a testament to adaptability, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From his days as a Gold Glove second baseman to his innovative, player-empowering stints as manager, he left an indelible mark on every team he touched. His passing is felt across the baseball world, but his legacy—one of championship glory, managerial brilliance, and personal mentorship—remains alive in the memories of those who played with, played for, or simply watched him work his magic.
As the baseball community reflects on Johnson’s remarkable career, one thing is clear: few have shaped the game’s modern era quite like him. The outpouring of tributes from former players, executives, and fans underscores just how much he meant to the sport. With every story told and every memory shared, Davey Johnson’s spirit continues to inspire both on and off the field.
