Davey Johnson, a respected figure in Major League Baseball who steered the New York Mets to their renowned 1986 World Series title, has passed away at the age of 82. His wife, Susan, confirmed the news to Mets team historian Jay Horwitz.

Johnson’s impressive journey began in the majors as a player from 1965 to 1978 before transitioning into management with the Mets in 1984, achieving immediate success.

He became the first manager in MLB history to win 90 or more games in each of his first five seasons, clinching the World Series title in his third year.

His 1986 Mets dominated with 108 regular-season wins, clinching the NL pennant against the Astros and eventually overcoming the Red Sox in a thrilling seven-game series.

Despite his stellar record, Johnson’s time in New York was short-lived; he was fired after 42 games in the 1990 season amid a series of conflicts and ongoing issues within the team.

One of his players, Darryl Strawberry, paid tribute to Johnson on social media, calling him a remarkable leader who significantly transformed the Mets franchise. “Davey’s legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans and players alike,” Strawberry expressed.

Johnson later had a diverse managerial career, heading teams like the Cincinnati Reds and the Baltimore Orioles, achieving recognition as Manager of the Year on two occasions.

Memories from Nationals owner Mark Lerner highlighted Johnson’s significance, emphasizing both his incredible managerial skills and his warm personality.

His impact on baseball continues to resonate, as illustrated by his lifelong passion for the game’s mechanics, including an early interest in data analysis in lineup optimizations.

In total, he accumulated 136 career home runs over 13 seasons, predominantly with the Orioles, where he earned two World Series titles and multiple accolades for his on-field prowess.

To this day, Johnson ranks 33rd in career managerial wins with 1,372 victories and remains a respected figure among the baseball community.