Davey Johnson Obituary: Jay Horwitz Reflects on Saying Goodbye

Baseball just lost one of its iconic leaders. **Davey Johnson**, the former New York Mets manager who led the team to that unforgettable 1986 World Series title, has died at 82.

For Mets fans and baseball historians, Johnson’s passing really feels like the end of an era. He was known for bold predictions, clever strategies, and a personality that never backed down.

His time in Queens stands as the most successful stretch in Mets history. Johnson’s innovative approach and his knack for guiding a team full of big personalities to the top set him apart.

Remembering the Architect of the Mets’ Golden Era

Before Johnson showed up in 1984, the Mets were struggling to find their way. In just a few seasons, he completely changed the team’s identity.

Over seven years, **Johnson racked up 595 wins and 417 losses**. That’s a stellar **.588 winning percentage**—still the best for any Mets manager.

From Mediocrity to Dominance

Under Johnson, the Mets started winning—and didn’t stop. He led them to two 100-win seasons, plus two more years with over 90 wins.

Before the 1986 season, Johnson made a gutsy call, saying the Mets would dominate the National League. Turns out, he was right—the team powered to **108 regular-season victories** and then took down the Boston Red Sox in a wild World Series.

Innovator Ahead of His Time

Not enough people talk about how far ahead Johnson was when it came to stats. Long before “analytics” became a buzzword, he used data to make key decisions in games.

This gave the Mets an edge. Other teams stuck to old-school instincts, but Johnson trusted the numbers when it mattered.

A Defining Managerial Move in 1986

His tactical smarts really showed in the ’86 World Series. When his team fell behind, Johnson surprised everyone by giving some players extra rest.

That controversial move paid off. It recharged the roster and helped fuel the Mets’ comeback to win it all. That’s classic Johnson—never afraid to trust his gut.

The Man Beyond the Dugout

Johnson was more than just a baseball guy. He graduated from Texas A&M University and even got his pilot’s license.

Friends and colleagues saw him as sharp, fiercely loyal, and always confident. Those traits fit right in with the rowdy Mets clubhouse of the ’80s.

Jay Horwitz’s Heartfelt Tribute

Jay Horwitz, the longtime Mets executive and publicist, spoke warmly about Johnson. Horwitz said Johnson’s wife, Susan, shared the sad news late at night.

It brought back memories of their last visit together in Sarasota about a year ago. They’d spent hours swapping stories about the magic of the 1986 team—a group that’ll always be linked by history and that one shining moment.

Legacy of a Champion

Johnson’s resume speaks for itself. But his legacy goes beyond just wins and championships.

He was a visionary manager. He mixed old-school baseball grit with a modern, data-driven mindset and a larger-than-life personality.

Not many in the sport managed to balance confident bravado with genuine care for their players like Johnson did. That’s probably why his name still comes up in so many conversations about leadership.

As fans and former players look back on his career, they’ll remember him for:

• Leading the Mets to their last World Series title in 1986
• Owning the best managerial winning percentage in franchise history
• Pioneering the use of analytics in Major League Baseball
• Handling some of baseball’s biggest personalities with skill and authority
• Making daring, unconventional decisions in high-pressure situations

For Mets fans, Davey Johnson will always stand for the franchise’s glory days. His fearless leadership and innovative strategies created unforgettable memories that are still woven into baseball history.

In the city that never sleeps, his legacy isn’t going anywhere.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Jay Horwitz: ‘I’m glad I got to say my goodbyes’