Who was Davey Johnson?

Davey Johnson was an American professional baseball player and manager, known for his career as a second baseman and later as a successful manager in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played from 1965 to 1978 and managed from 1984 to 2013.

What were Davey Johnson's primary roles in baseball?

Davey Johnson primarily played as a second baseman during his playing career and later transitioned into managing MLB teams. He also had roles in international baseball management.

When was Davey Johnson born and when did he pass away?

Davey Johnson was born on January 30, 1943, and passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 82.

What teams did Davey Johnson play for during his MLB career?

During his MLB playing career, Davey Johnson played for the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs.

How many times was Davey Johnson selected to the MLB All-Star Game?

Davey Johnson was selected to the MLB All-Star Game four times during his playing career, specifically from 1968 to 1970 and again in 1973.

What awards did Davey Johnson win as a fielder?

Davey Johnson won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award three consecutive times from 1969 to 1971 for his performance as a second baseman.

Did Davey Johnson play internationally, and if so, where?

Yes, after his MLB career, Davey Johnson played for two seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yomiuri Giants from 1975 to 1976.

What was Davey Johnson's highest single-season home run total?

Davey Johnson's highest single-season home run total was 40, achieved in 1973 while playing for the Atlanta Braves. He also hit a 41st home run as a pinch-hitter that season.

What unique hitting feat did Davey Johnson accomplish in 1978?

In 1978, Davey Johnson became the first major leaguer to hit two grand slams as a pinch-hitter in a single season.

What was Davey Johnson's career batting average in MLB?

Davey Johnson's career batting average in Major League Baseball was .261.

What was Davey Johnson's career RBI total in MLB?

Davey Johnson accumulated 609 runs batted in (RBIs) during his MLB playing career.

What was Davey Johnson's career home run total in MLB?

Davey Johnson hit a total of 136 home runs during his MLB playing career.

What was Davey Johnson's academic background?

Davey Johnson was a mathematics major at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, where he graduated in 1964.

How did Davey Johnson's academic background influence his baseball career?

His mathematics background led him to become an early proponent of computer-based statistical analysis in baseball, a field that later became known as sabermetrics. He taught himself computer programming in 1969 to analyze player performance and optimize lineups.

What nickname was Davey Johnson given due to his analytical approach?

Davey Johnson earned the nickname "Dum Dum" for advising pitchers to throw more strikes, based on his data-driven analysis of hitter performance.

When did Davey Johnson begin his MLB managing career?

Davey Johnson began his MLB managing career in 1984 with the New York Mets.

What was Davey Johnson's most significant managerial achievement?

Davey Johnson's most significant managerial achievement was leading the New York Mets to the 1986 World Series title.

What managerial award did Davey Johnson win in 1997?

In 1997, Davey Johnson won the American League Manager of the Year award for leading the Baltimore Orioles to the American League East division championship.

What managerial award did Davey Johnson win in 2012?

Davey Johnson won the National League Manager of the Year award in 2012 for leading the Washington Nationals to the franchise's first division title since 1981.

What was Davey Johnson's overall managerial record in MLB?

Davey Johnson finished his MLB managing career with a record of 1,372 wins and 1,071 losses, for a winning percentage of .562.

Which team did Davey Johnson manage to the best record in MLB in 2012?

In 2012, Davey Johnson led the Washington Nationals to a franchise-record 98 wins, which was the best record in all of Major League Baseball that year.

What was Davey Johnson's managerial record with the New York Mets?

Davey Johnson managed the New York Mets from 1984 to 1990, compiling a regular-season record of 595 wins and 417 losses. He is the winningest manager in Mets history.

Did Davey Johnson manage any international baseball teams?

Yes, Davey Johnson managed the Netherlands national baseball team in 2003 and coached the United States national baseball team in various international competitions, including the 2008 Summer Olympics (winning a bronze medal) and the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

What was Davey Johnson's role with the United States national team at the 2008 Summer Olympics?

Davey Johnson managed the United States national baseball team at the 2008 Summer Olympics in China, leading them to a bronze medal.

What notable achievement did the 1973 Atlanta Braves team accomplish regarding home runs?

The 1973 Atlanta Braves team was the first in MLB history to feature three teammates—Davey Johnson, Darrell Evans, and Hank Aaron—each hitting 40 or more home runs in the same season.

What was Davey Johnson's relationship with New York Mets owner Frank Cashen?

Davey Johnson had a feud with Mets general manager Frank Cashen, though they were later inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame together in 2010.

What was Davey Johnson's managerial record with the Baltimore Orioles?

Davey Johnson managed the Baltimore Orioles from 1996 to 1997, achieving a winning percentage of .574 with 186 wins and 138 losses.

What was the nature of Davey Johnson's dispute with Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos?

Davey Johnson's dispute with Peter Angelos reportedly stemmed from Johnson's handling of a fine for Roberto Alomar and Angelos's demand for a specific admission of fault from Johnson, which Johnson refused.

What was Davey Johnson's managerial record with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Davey Johnson managed the Los Angeles Dodgers for two seasons (1999-2000), finishing with a record of 163 wins and 161 losses. This tenure included the only full losing season of his managerial career.

What was Davey Johnson's contribution to the development of sabermetrics?

As a mathematics major and early computer programmer, Johnson integrated data-driven strategies like emphasizing on-base percentage and platoon matchups into his managing approach, laying groundwork for sabermetrics' mainstream acceptance in MLB.

What book did Davey Johnson co-author about the Mets' 1985 season?

Davey Johnson co-authored 'Bats,' a diary of the New York Mets' 1985 season, with sportswriter Peter Golenbock. An additional chapter about the 1986 World Series was added for the paperback edition.

What is Davey Johnson's standing regarding induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame?

Davey Johnson has been eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame but has missed induction four times, twice on the Veterans Committee and twice on the Today's Game ballot.

What was the outcome of the 1988 National League Championship Series for the New York Mets under Davey Johnson?

The New York Mets, managed by Davey Johnson, lost the 1988 National League Championship Series in seven games to the Los Angeles Dodgers after winning two of the first three games.

What was Davey Johnson's managerial record with the Washington Nationals?

Davey Johnson managed the Washington Nationals from 2011 to 2013, achieving a record of 224 wins and 183 losses. He led them to their first division title in 2012.

What was the significance of the 1969 and 1971 Baltimore Orioles infield for Gold Glove Awards?

In 1969 and 1971, Davey Johnson (second base) and Mark Belanger (shortstop) both won Gold Glove Awards, making them one of the few middle infield duos to achieve this in the same season. They played alongside third baseman Brooks Robinson, who was in the middle of his own Gold Glove streak.

What was Davey Johnson's managerial philosophy regarding his players?

Davey Johnson famously stated his managing philosophy: 'I treated my players like men. As long as they won for me on the field, I didn't give a flying fuck what they did otherwise.'

What was the context of Davey Johnson's resignation from the Baltimore Orioles in 1997?

Davey Johnson resigned from the Orioles on November 5, 1997, the same day he was named American League Manager of the Year, following a dispute with owner Peter Angelos over the handling of a player fine and Johnson's comments about his future with the team.

What was Davey Johnson's overall winning percentage as a manager?

Davey Johnson finished his managerial career with an overall winning percentage of .562, winning 1,372 games and losing 1,071.

How many managers have finished with a record of 300 or more wins above .500, and where does Johnson rank?

Only fifteen managers have finished with a record of 300 or more wins above .500, and Davey Johnson is among them, ranking tenth all-time in winning percentage for managers with 1,000 wins.

What was Davey Johnson's involvement with the Netherlands national baseball team?

Davey Johnson briefly managed the Netherlands national team in 2003, leading them to the finals of the World Port Tournament and winning the 2003 European Baseball Championship. He also served as a bench coach for the team in other tournaments.

What was the significance of Davey Johnson's 1,000th managerial win?

Davey Johnson achieved his 1,000th managerial win on May 3, 1999, with the Los Angeles Dodgers, reaching this milestone in his 1,740th game as manager. This was a notably fast pace compared to many other managers.

What personal tragedies did Davey Johnson experience related to his family?

Davey Johnson's daughter, Andrea, died in 2005 from septic shock and complications from schizophrenia. His stepson, Jake, died in 2011 from pneumonia at age 34.

What was Davey Johnson's autobiography called, and what was its purpose?

Davey Johnson's autobiography, 'My Wild Ride in Baseball and Beyond,' was released in 2018, with proceeds going to his wife Susan's nonprofit organization, Support Our Scholars.

What was the context of Davey Johnson's retirement announcement in 2013?

Davey Johnson announced his retirement as manager of the Washington Nationals on September 29, 2013, after the team finished second in the NL East with an 86-76 record. He had been offered a document to retire after the 2013 season prior to receiving the Manager of the Year award.

What was the outcome of the 1986 World Series for the New York Mets under Davey Johnson?

Under Davey Johnson's management, the New York Mets won the 1986 World Series, defeating the Boston Red Sox in a memorable seven-game series.

What was Davey Johnson's managerial record with the Cincinnati Reds?

Davey Johnson managed the Cincinnati Reds from mid-1993 through 1995, compiling a regular-season record of 204 wins and 172 losses. He led them to the NLCS in his final season.

What was the significance of the 1986 New York Mets team's win total?

The 1986 New York Mets won 108 games, which was the best record in Major League Baseball that year. It was only the second time in franchise history that the Mets had won 100 games in a season.

What was Davey Johnson's role with the United States national team at the 2007 Baseball World Cup?

Davey Johnson managed the United States national team to its first world title in over three decades at the 2007 Baseball World Cup held in Taiwan.

What was Davey Johnson's managerial record with the Washington Nationals in 2012?

In 2012, Davey Johnson led the Washington Nationals to a franchise-record 98 wins, the best record in MLB, and won the National League Manager of the Year award.

What was Davey Johnson's career managerial win total?

Davey Johnson achieved 1,372 wins during his managerial career in Major League Baseball.

Davey Johnson Wiki: Davey Johnson: A Baseball Strategist's Journey

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Playing Career

Professional Debut and Early Years

David Allen Johnson, born January 30, 1943, embarked on his professional baseball journey after a stint at Texas A&M University. Signing with the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent in 1962, Johnson progressed through their minor league system, demonstrating promise with solid batting averages and power numbers. His Major League debut occurred on April 13, 1965, for the Orioles.

Orioles Dynasty and Accolades

Johnson became a cornerstone of the Baltimore Orioles dynasty in the late 1960s and early 1970s. During his tenure from 1965 to 1972, the Orioles captured four American League pennants and two World Series championships (1966, 1970). Johnson's defensive prowess was recognized with three consecutive Gold Glove Awards at second base (1969-1971), a remarkable achievement alongside teammates like Brooks Robinson and Mark Belanger, forming one of baseball's most celebrated infields.

International Stint and Return

Following a trade to the Atlanta Braves in 1972, where he achieved a career-high 40 home runs in 1973, Johnson sought opportunities abroad. He played two seasons (1975-1976) for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Upon his return to the United States, he played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs, concluding his playing career in 1978.

Managing Career

Early Management and Mets Success

Transitioning to management, Johnson began in the minor leagues before taking the helm of the New York Mets in 1984. He revitalized the team, becoming the first National League manager to record five consecutive 90-win seasons. His tenure culminated in the memorable 1986 World Series championship, a testament to his leadership and the team's talent.

Managerial Acclaim and Diverse Roles

Johnson's managerial career spanned multiple franchises, including the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Washington Nationals. He earned Manager of the Year awards in both leagues (1997 AL with Baltimore, 2012 NL with Washington). His leadership guided the Nationals to their first division title since relocating to Washington. He also managed the United States national baseball team, achieving success in international competitions like the Baseball World Cup and the Olympics.

Managerial Record

Davey Johnson compiled an impressive managerial record, demonstrating consistent success across different organizations. His career statistics reflect a manager who consistently led his teams to winning seasons and postseason contention.

Johnson's managerial career spanned 2,443 games, resulting in 1,372 wins and 1,071 losses, a winning percentage of .562. He led his teams to the postseason multiple times, including a World Series title and several League Championship Series appearances.

Team	Year	Games	Won	Lost	Win %	Finish	Postseason Won	Postseason Lost	Postseason Win %	Result
NYM	1984	162	90	72	.556	2nd in NL East	–	–	–	–
NYM	1985	162	98	64	.605	2nd in NL East	–	–	–	–
NYM	1986	162	108	54	.667	1st in NL East	8	5	.615	Won World Series
NYM	1987	162	92	70	.568	2nd in NL East	–	–	–	–
NYM	1988	160	100	60	.625	1st in NL East	3	4	.429	Lost NLCS
NYM	1989	162	87	75	.537	2nd in NL East	–	–	–	–
NYM	1990	42	20	22	.476	fired	–	–	–	–
NYM total		1012	595	417	.588		11	9	.550
CIN	1993	118	53	65	.449	5th in NL West	–	–	–	–
CIN	1994	114	66	48	.579	1st in NL Central	–	–	–	–
CIN	1995	144	85	59	.590	1st in NL Central	3	4	.429	Lost NLCS
CIN total		376	204	172	.543		3	4	.429
BAL	1996	162	88	74	.543	2nd in AL East	4	5	.444	Lost ALCS
BAL	1997	162	98	64	.605	1st in AL East	5	5	.500	Lost ALCS
BAL total		324	186	138	.574		9	10	.474
LAD	1999	162	77	85	.475	3rd in NL West	–	–	–	–
LAD	2000	162	86	76	.531	2nd in NL West	–	–	–	–
LAD total		324	163	161	.503		0	0	–
WAS	2011	83	40	43	.482	3rd in NL East	–	–	–	–
WAS	2012	162	98	64	.605	1st in NL East	2	3	.400	Lost NLDS
WAS	2013	162	86	76	.531	2nd in NL East	–	–	–	–
WAS total		407	224	183	.550		2	3	.400
Total		2443	1372	1071	.562		25	26	.490

Career Highlights & Awards

Player Accolades

During his playing career, Davey Johnson earned significant recognition for his performance:

4-time MLB All-Star (1968–1970, 1973)
3-time Gold Glove Award winner (1969–1971)
1966 and 1970 World Series Champion with the Baltimore Orioles

Managerial Accolades

As a manager, Johnson received accolades for his leadership and strategic acumen:

2-time Manager of the Year Award winner (1997 AL, 2012 NL)
Led the New York Mets to the 1986 World Series title
Led the Washington Nationals to their first division title in 2012
Inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame
Inducted into the New York Mets Hall of Fame

International Coaching Honors

Johnson also contributed significantly to international baseball:

Bronze medal as manager for the United States national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics
Gold medal at the 2007 Baseball World Cup as manager for the United States
Gold medal at the 2003 European Baseball Championship as manager for the Netherlands

Pioneering Sabermetrics

Early Adoption of Data Analysis

Davey Johnson was an early adopter and proponent of statistical analysis in baseball, a field that would later be formalized as sabermetrics. As a mathematics major at Trinity University, he taught himself computer programming in 1969. He utilized statistical simulations to analyze player performance and optimize team strategies, including lineup construction and platoon matchups, long before such methods became mainstream.

Impact on Modern Baseball

Johnson's data-driven approach influenced his managing style, emphasizing on-base percentage and favorable player matchups. This analytical mindset, particularly evident during his successful tenure with the New York Mets in the 1980s, helped pave the way for the widespread acceptance and integration of sabermetrics in Major League Baseball decision-making today. His insights were recognized by prominent baseball analysts and writers.

Personal Life & Legacy

Education and Family

Born in Orlando, Florida, Johnson graduated from Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Texas. He earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Trinity University. His personal life included two marriages and three children from his first marriage. He later married Susan, sharing a bond over family health challenges. Tragically, both his daughter Andrea and stepson Jake passed away due to health complications.

Literary Contributions

Johnson co-authored "Bats," a diary of the Mets' 1985 season, with Peter Golenbock, which was updated to include their 1986 World Series victory. In 2018, he released his autobiography, "My Wild Ride in Baseball and Beyond," with proceeds benefiting his wife Susan's nonprofit organization, Support Our Scholars.

Passing

Davey Johnson passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 82 in Sarasota, Florida. His death marked the end of an era for many who admired his contributions to baseball as both a player and a manager. His legacy is remembered for his strategic mind, innovative approach, and significant impact on the game.

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References

100 Things Braves Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die: Revised and Updated, Jack Wilkinson, Triumph Books, Chicago, 2019, ISBN 978-1-62937-694-3, p. 138

Whiting, Robert. You Gotta Have Wa (Vintage Departures, 1989), pp. 162â171.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Davey Johnson Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sports analysis or consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific insights.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Davey Johnson: A Baseball Strategist's Journey

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Playing Career ⚾

🌟 Professional Debut and Early Years

🏆 Orioles Dynasty and Accolades

🇯🇵 International Stint and Return

Managing Career 🧑‍ रणनीति

💡 Early Management and Mets Success

🏅 Managerial Acclaim and Diverse Roles

📊 Managerial Record

Career Highlights & Awards 🏅

⭐ Player Accolades

⭐ Managerial Accolades

🥇 International Coaching Honors

Pioneering Sabermetrics 🧠

💻 Early Adoption of Data Analysis

📈 Impact on Modern Baseball

Personal Life & Legacy ❤️

🎓 Education and Family

✍️ Literary Contributions

🕊️ Passing

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Playing Career

Professional Debut and Early Years

Orioles Dynasty and Accolades

International Stint and Return

Managing Career

Early Management and Mets Success

Managerial Acclaim and Diverse Roles

Managerial Record

Career Highlights & Awards

Player Accolades

Managerial Accolades

International Coaching Honors

Pioneering Sabermetrics

Early Adoption of Data Analysis

Impact on Modern Baseball

Personal Life & Legacy

Education and Family

Literary Contributions

Passing

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice