What has been a difficult start to 2021 for the Los Angeles Dodgers has now seen some positive news with former manager Davey Johnson home after being hospitalized due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
New York Mets vice president of alumni public relations and team historian Jay Horwitz has been providing updates on behalf of the Johnson family. Johnson was a second person with ties to the Dodgers who recently was in the hospital after contracting the virus.
Former pitcher Tommy John began battling it late last year, along with a bout of pneumonia, and earlier this month was released from the hospital.
Johnson was a four-time All-Star over a 13-year playing career that saw him spend time with the Baltimore Orioles (1965-72), Atlanta Braves (1973-75), Philadelphia Phillies (1977-78) and Chicago Cubs (1978). He won a World Series in 1970 with the Orioles.
Johnson took a break from the Majors in 1976, when he played for the Yomiuri Giants of the KBO.
Good news. Just spoke to Davey’s wife. He is home and resting comfortably. Got his treatment at hospital and now taking it easy. Keep the good thoughts coming.
— Jay Horwitz (@Jay_HorwitzPR) January 23, 2021
Johnson’s managerial career began in the Minors and after three years he made the jump to the Major League ranks with the Mets in 1984. He held the position for seven seasons and led the Mets to a World Series win in 1986, which still stands as their most recent championship.
Johnson then managed the Cincinnati Reds from 1993-95 and Orioles for two seasons (1996-97) before being hired by the Dodgers in 1999. They finished below .500 in his first season at the helm, then went 86-76 the following year with a roster that boasted a league-high payroll.
Though, even that was only good for second place in the National League West as the Dodgers finished 11 games back of the San Francisco Giants. Johnson was fired that October.
The Dodgers had just two managers — Walter Alston and Tommy Lasorda — from 1954 to 1996, but then went through significant changes. Bill Russell, Lasorda’s successor, was replaced in 1998 by interim Glenn Hoffman, who then gave way to Johnson the following year.
Dodgers honor Lasorda
The Dodgers held a Celebration of Life ceremony for Lasorda at Dodger Stadium this past week, which was attended by Justin Turner, Mike Scioscia and Eric Karros, among others.
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