Former Dodgers Manager Davey Johnson Passes Away

Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Davey Johnson passed away on Saturday at the age of 82 years old.

Johnson was Dodgers manager for the 1999 and 2000 seasons, when the team finished in third and second place, respectively, in the National League West. Johnson was hired by then-Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone

“The Los Angeles Dodgers are saddened by the passing of Davey Johnson, who managed the team from 1999-2000,” the team said in a statement. “We offer our condolences to his family and friends.”

Johnson was a four-time All-Star over a 13-year playing career that saw him spend time with the Baltimore Orioles (1965-1972), Atlanta Braves (1973-1975), Philadelphia Phillies (1977-1978) and Chicago Cubs (1978). He won the World Series with the Orioles in 1966 and 1970.

Johnson took a break from the Majors in 1976, when he played for the Yomiuri Giants of the KBO.

Johnson was up for induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018 via the Today’s Game Era ballot, but fell short in the required vote total.

Davey Johnson manager bio

Johnson’s managerial career began in the Minors and after three years he made the jump to the Major League ranks with the Mets in 1984. He held the position for seven seasons and led the Mets to a World Series win in 1986, which still stands as their most recent championship.

Johnson’s tenure as Mets manager also included two NL East titles. He was at the helm when the Mets were upset by the Dodgers during their magical run to a World Series in 1988.

Johnson went on to manage the Cincinnati Reds from 1993-1995 and Orioles for two seasons (1996-1997) before being hired by the Dodgers. They finished below .500 in his first season as Dodgers manager, then went 86-76 the following year with a roster that boasted a league-high payroll.

The Dodgers had just two managers — Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda — from 1954 to 1996, but went through significant changes after that. Bill Russell, Lasorda’s successor, was replaced in 1998 by interim Glenn Hoffman, who then gave way to Johnson the following year.

Johnson went 163-161 during his two seasons as Dodgers manager. Overall, Johnson finished with a managerial record of
1,372–1,071. He later managed Team USA baseball at the 2008 Summer Olympics and in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Davey Johnson,” Team USA executive director/CEO Paul Seiler said in a statement. “Davey is a baseball legend whose career was marked by sustained excellence as a player and a coach. He was a true champion in every sense of the word, and it was his leadership that led Team USA to a world championship in 2007 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2008.

“We are deeply grateful for his dedication and service to USA Baseball, but his impact extended beyond wins and medals. Davey had a profound impact on the athletes and staff who were fortunate to work with him, and we will all forever honor his memory. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Susan, and the entire Johnson family.”

Among other accolades, Johnson also was named American League Manager of the Year in 1997 and NL Manager of the Year in 2012.