International baseball mourns the passing of former USA Baseball National Team manager Davey Johnson
The international baseball community mourns the loss of former USA Baseball National Team manager Davey Johnson, who passed away at 82.
As a Major League Baseball (MLB; Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies) and a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB; Yomiuri Giants) player, he was part of two World Series-winning campaigns with the Orioles (1966 and 1970). He was a four-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove second baseman.
Johnson was equally successful as a manager. He managed the New York Mets from 1984 to 1990, leading them to the 1986 World Series title. He also managed the Cincinnati Reds (1993-1995), the Baltimore Orioles (1996-1997) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (1999-2000) before leading the Netherlands to the 2003 European Championship. He earned MLB's Manager of the Year honours in 1997 and 2012.
USA Baseball chose him as the Professional National Team manager in 2005. Johnson led USA to win the WBSC Baseball World Cup in 2007, their first success since 1974, to a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and to the 2009 World Baseball Classic semifinals.
"We are heartbroken by the passing of Davey Johnson," said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. "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 honour his memory. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Susan, and the entire Johnson family."
"In 2008, Davey Johnson managed Team USA to a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympic Games, where I had the honour of playing for him. What stood out most to me was not just his baseball brilliance, but the confidence and belief he instilled in every one of us," said USA Baseball President John Gall. "Davey was a pure baseball man, and his infectious energy will forever endure in the hearts of players, fans, and the entire baseball community. On behalf of USA Baseball, and with great personal respect, I extend our condolences to his wife, Susan, his family, and all who were touched by his remarkable life."
Johnson also managed USA at the WBSC Baseball World Cup 2005 and served as an assistant coach in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006. He compiled an overall record of 33-12 as USA Baseball National Team manager in international competition and was the USA Baseball Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year in 2005, 2006 and 2007.