Davey Johnson Dies at Age 82, MLB Manager Led Mets to 1986 World Series Title

MLB legend Davey Johnson, who won three World Series titles as a player and manager, has died at the age of 82.

Susan Johnson, Davey's wife, told longtime New York Mets historian Jay Horwitz in a phone call on Friday night that her husband died.

Johnson began his professional career in 1962 after signing with the Baltimore Orioles as an amateur free agent. He made his MLB debut three years later, appearing in 20 games during the 1965 campaign.

Upon becoming a full-time player in 1966, Johnson carved out a very good career that lasted 13 seasons. He was a four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner playing primarily at second base.

The Orioles made it to the World Series four times in six seasons from 1966 to '71, winning twice. He hit .313/.476/.438 in five games against the Cincinnati Reds in the 1970 Fall Classic.

Johnson also played for the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs before retiring after the 1978 season.

After spending five seasons managing in the minors, Johnson got his first job as a big-league skipper in 1984 with a legendary New York Mets team led by Dwight Gooden and Daryl Strawberry.

Johnson led the Mets to their second World Series title in franchise history in 1986. He is their all-time winningest manager with 595 victories in seven seasons.

His managerial resume also included stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals. He made the playoffs six times in 17 seasons as a manager.

Johnson's 1,372 career wins as a manager ranks 33rd all-time in MLB history. He is a member of the Mets and Orioles Halls of Fame.