What Did a Two-Time Manager of the Year Do for the 1986 Mets?

In the early 60s, there was a baseball-shaped hole in the heart of the Big Apple. The Dodgers and Giants had moved from their home in New York to sunny California. Combining the orange and blue of the respective departed teams, the New York Mets were conceived in 1962. There was a great deal riding on whether the introduction of this team could bring baseball back to New York. 

As an entirely new franchise to the world of baseball, the Mets experienced a series of challenges in their early years. Against all odds, the team won the 1969 World Series, labeling them as “The Miracle Mets.” Even though they had the potential to be great, they were struggling to find their foundation. It wasn’t until 1984, with the team turned over into the hands of Davey Johnson, that something was bound to change. 

Davey Johnson had his hands full with the Mets. His roster included legends like Darryl Strawberry, Keith Hernandez, Dwight Gooden, and Gary Carter. The team has a losing record and a knack for extracurriculars outside of the field. The team earned the label as the “bad boys” of baseball, but on the field, it was their naturally given talent that made them a team to beat. 

Under Davey Johnson’s guidance, the 1986 Mets became a force to be reckoned with. Despite their debauchery and partying ways, Johnson treated them with respect, pushing them to be as great as he knew they could be. Between the years 1976 and 1997, there was no team in all of baseball who won more games than the '86 Mets did in their season. 108 victories to be exact. Their World Series win still serves as a reminder to Mets fans across the board that with good leadership, the team can be champions.

With the passing of Davey Johnson today, September 5th, it’s important to remember his legacy. Johnson did a great deal for the Mets franchise and for the whole of baseball as well. A three-time Gold Glove winner, Johnson was a brilliant player and an all-star who took his love of baseball to the next level by helping other teams. It’s Johnson’s guidance of the ‘86 Mets who taught fans you gotta believe.