NEW YORK METS HONOR DAVEY JOHNSON WITH MEMORIAL PATCH AND CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH ON OPENING DAY

FLUSHING, N.Y., March 24, 2026 – The New York Mets have announced an emotional tribute to one of the franchise’s most iconic figures, Davey Johnson, by wearing a memorial “Davey” patch on their home and road uniforms throughout the 2026 season. The patch is a poignant reminder of Johnson’s profound impact on the team, and it comes after his passing on September 5, 2025, at the age of 82. Johnson’s legacy as one of the greatest managers in Mets history is secure, and this tribute honors his memory while reminding fans of the unforgettable years he spent leading the team.

Johnson’s journey with the Mets was nothing short of remarkable. With a career that spanned from the late 1980s through the early 1990s, Davey Johnson was a bold and dynamic manager who led the team to some of its finest moments. Under his leadership, the Mets won their second World Series title in 1986, cementing his place as a legend in the team’s history. His managerial style, marked by quiet confidence and a fierce belief in his players, made a lasting impression, and the Mets’ 1986 World Championship remains one of the most celebrated seasons in the history of Major League Baseball.

A Storied Career: Johnson’s Rise to Prominence

Born on January 30, 1943, in Belleville, Missouri, Davey Johnson was already an accomplished player before transitioning to management. He played for several major league teams during his career, including the Baltimore Orioles, where he won two Gold Gloves as a second baseman, and later with the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. However, his true legacy was forged when he became the manager of the New York Mets.

Johnson took over the Mets’ managerial duties in 1984, and it didn’t take long for him to instill his vision and leadership on a team full of potential. The Mets, who had not reached the World Series in over a decade, began their transformation under Johnson’s guidance. His approach was rooted in a belief that winning required both discipline and freedom, allowing his players to express themselves while also holding them accountable. This balance became the hallmark of his management style.

During his seven years with the Mets, Johnson guided the team to two division titles and one World Series championship, but his most iconic achievement was leading the team to 108 regular-season wins in 1986, a franchise record that still stands. The team’s success was due in large part to Johnson’s ability to manage big personalities, his strategic decision-making, and his uncanny knack for getting the most out of his players.

1986: The Pinnacle of Davey Johnson’s Career

The 1986 Mets are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in baseball history. Johnson’s squad was a perfect blend of youthful energy, experience, and raw talent, with players like Dwight Gooden, Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, and Darryl Strawberry leading the charge. What made this group so special, however, was Johnson’s ability to create a unified team that thrived under pressure.

The 1986 season culminated in a dramatic World Series victory over the Boston Red Sox, one of the most unforgettable moments in Mets history. The Mets’ remarkable comeback in Game 6, which included Mookie Wilson’s ground ball that rolled through Bill Buckner’s legs, will forever be etched in the minds of Mets fans. That victory in the World Series was a fitting capstone to the Mets’ record-setting season.

Post-1986 and a Lasting Legacy

Although Johnson’s tenure with the Mets ended in 1990, his impact continued to resonate within the organization. After leaving the Mets, Johnson went on to manage the Cincinnati Reds and the Baltimore Orioles, where he further cemented his reputation as one of the game’s top managers. His managerial career extended well into the 2000s, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the history of the sport.

By the time Johnson retired from managing, he had accumulated 1,348 career wins in 14 seasons as a major league manager, with a career winning percentage of .562. He was known for his strategic acumen, especially in handling pitching rotations and managing the personalities of his star players. But it was his time with the Mets, particularly the 1986 World Series win, that defined his career and ensured his place in Mets history.

Tribute to Davey Johnson

In the 40th anniversary year of the 1986 World Championship, the Mets’ decision to wear a “Davey” patch on their uniforms serves as a powerful reminder of Johnson’s leadership and the success he brought to the team. The memorial patch will be worn throughout the 2026 season, ensuring that Johnson’s memory and legacy are celebrated by every fan who watches the Mets take the field.

In addition to the patch, Davey Johnson’s family will be actively involved in the team’s Opening Day ceremonies. On March 26, 2026, during the home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Johnson’s widow, Susan, will escort Jeremiah Allen, Davey’s stepson, and Kai Casebolt, his grandson, to the mound for the ceremonial first pitch. Mets Hall of Famers Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson will catch the first pitch, further honoring the 1986 championship team and Johnson’s contributions.

Davey Johnson’s Influence on the Mets Organization

Johnson’s influence on the Mets went beyond the playing field. He was a manager who instilled confidence in his players, many of whom credit him for their individual successes. His leadership style was built on a foundation of trust, and that trust was reciprocated by his players. Dwight Gooden, Gary Carter, and others have often spoken about how Johnson’s ability to stay calm under pressure helped guide the team to their ultimate success.

As the Mets continue to build on their legacy, Johnson’s impact is still felt in the clubhouse and throughout the organization. His methods of leadership, his ability to manage talent, and his profound understanding of the game continue to serve as a model for Mets managers and players.

Conclusion: Remembering Davey Johnson’s Legacy

The memorial “Davey” patch that the Mets will wear throughout the 2026 season is a fitting tribute to one of the most important figures in franchise history. Davey Johnson was not only a manager who delivered the 1986 World Series but also a mentor and leader who changed the course of Mets history. His quiet confidence and ability to bring the best out of his players helped the team reach the pinnacle of success, and this tribute ensures his legacy will never be forgotten.

As the Mets enter the 2026 season, they do so with the memory of Davey Johnson firmly in mind. The 40th anniversary of the 1986 championship will be a celebration of his achievements and the lasting impact he had on the Mets organization. For those who remember the thrilling moments of 1986, the tribute to Davey Johnson will serve as a reminder of the bold manager who led the Mets to their second World Series championship and forever etched his name into the history of the franchise.