Mets to wear 'Davey' jersey patch to honor late manager Johnson

NEW YORK -- Davey Johnson, the firebrand manager who guided the Mets to the 1986 World Series championship, will be honored with a sleeve patch during the 2026 season.

The team announced Tuesday that it will affix a memorial “Davey” patch onto the sleeve of both their home and road uniforms. Johnson passed away at age 82 last September following a long illness.

“Davey was a bold manager who led with a quiet confidence and an unwavering belief in his team,” Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. “He cared deeply for his players both on and off the field. Some of the greatest players in our team history credit him for their successes. In the 40th anniversary of the 1986 championship, this is a fitting tribute to the man who guided the team to that title.”

Johnson’s 595 career wins as Mets manager still rank first in franchise history, as does his .588 winning percentage. In 1986, Johnson guided the team to a franchise-record 108 regular-season victories en route to a title. He averaged more than 95 wins per year during his six full seasons with the franchise.

Although Johnson never finished a Mets campaign below .500, the team dismissed him early in the 1990 season with a 20-22 record. He went on to manage the Reds, Orioles, Dodgers and Nationals, winning more games than he lost at every stop. His career .562 winning percentage ranks sixth among Major League managers with at least 1,300 wins.

Because Johnson died so late in the 2025 season, the Mets waited to honor him so that they could do so for an entire season. His family will take part in the Opening Day ceremonies at Citi Field, with Johnson’s widow, Susan, escorting his stepson and grandson to the mound for ceremonial first pitches. Two of Johnson’s players, Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson, will catch those pitches.

The Mets plan to honor the 1986 team all season, including with an Aug. 1 reunion ceremony at Citi Field.