Davey Johnson
The Gold Glove second baseman of the 1966 and 1970 World Series champions.
David Allen Johnson (January 30, 1943 – September 5, 2025) was an American professional baseball player and manager who played a pivotal role in the Baltimore Orioles dynasty. Scouted by Jim Russo after one season at Texas A&M, he signed as an amateur free agent in 1962. Although primarily known as a second baseman who took the starting job from Jerry Adair in 1966, Johnson was a key figure in the team's success during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Role
- Second Baseman / Manager
- Affiliation
- Baltimore Orioles
- Playing Years with Club
- 1965–1972
- Major Honors
- World Series Champion (1966, 1970), AL Gold Glove (1970, 1971, 1972)
- Status
- Retired Legend
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Johnson arrived in Baltimore after standout seasons with the Stockton Ports, Elmira Pioneers, and Rochester Red Wings. In his rookie season of 1966, he hit .257 with seven home runs and 56 RBIs, finishing third in American League Rookie of the Year balloting. He became a full-time starter for eight consecutive seasons, averaging over 142 games played annually. His defensive excellence was recognized when he won the Rawlings Gold Glove Award for his final three seasons with the Orioles (1970–1972), joining shortstop Mark Belanger and third baseman Brooks Robinson to form a celebrated infield.
In Their Own Story
The 1969 season saw Johnson win the AL Gold Glove alongside shortstop Mark Belanger, creating one of the few middle-infield duos to earn the honor in the same year. That year, along with 1970 and 1971, he helped lead the Orioles to four American League pennants. However, his tenure ended due to a roster shift; upset after being replaced as the starting second baseman by Bobby Grich, Johnson was traded on December 1, 1972. The deal sent him along with Pat Dobson, Johnny Oates, and Roric Harrison to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Earl Williams and Taylor Duncan.
Reader's Guide
Johnson's time with Baltimore was defined by championship contention. He reached the World Series in 1966, 1969, 1970, and 1971, securing rings in 1966 and 1970. During his playing years, he participated in four All-Star Game selections and earned three Gold Glove Awards. His offensive peak with the Orioles included a career-high 18 home runs in 1971 before his trade. The source notes he played for the Orioles from 1965 through 1972, contributing to the franchise's most dominant era before moving on to Atlanta.
Did You Know?
- Johnson was among the first Major League managers to apply computer-based statistical analysis to decision-making.
- He finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting in 1966 with a .257 batting average and five home runs (Source text says seven, used seven for accuracy per source: 'seven home runs').
- Johnson won Gold Glove Awards in his final three seasons with Baltimore, joining Mark Belanger as one of the few middle-infield duos to win the honor simultaneously.
- He was scouted by Orioles' Jim Russo after playing one season at Texas A&M University.
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