Former MLB star and World Series-winning manager Davey Johnson died Friday at the age of 82.
The Baltimore Orioles, with whom Johnson spent the majority of his playing career, confirmed Johnson’s death on Saturday morning. No cause was given.
We mourn the passing of Orioles Hall of Fame second baseman Davey Johnson, who earned three All-Star berths with the club and later managed the team to two Postseason appearances. pic.twitter.com/gCa25R0VtH
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 6, 2025
Johnson was one of the leading second basemen of his era, winning three Gold Gloves and making four All-Star teams during a playing career than spanned from 1965 to 1978. He spent most of it with the Orioles, where he was a part of World Series winners in 1966 and 1970. Though primarily known for his defense, he also hit 43 home runs in 1973 as a member of the Atlanta Braves.
Ultimately, Johnson will be best remembered for his successful career as a manager. He was in charge of the 1986 New York Mets team that memorably won the World Series, and also managed the Reds, Orioles, Dodgers, and Nationals during his career. The Nationals were his final job, and he retired after the 2013 season, albeit with some regrets.
As a manager, Johnson posted a career record of 1,372-1,071, and his teams posted a winning record in 13 of his 17 years as a manager. He is noted as an early adopter of sabermetrics, in part because of his history as a math major, which led him to make use of statistical simulations as early as the 1970s.
Johnson also managed the United States to a third-place finish in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
