#680 Dave Johnson

Back in Action now.

The future manager…Coming off his best year ever in a Oriole uniform… came up the O’s chain in the usual way via AAA Rochester… made opening day roster in 1965, but hit poorly…returned to AAA and had a strong year …Became a regular for good in 1966 wrestling the 2^nd base spot from incumbent Jerry Adair…solid season and had first of numerous post season appearances…next two seasons held his own in pitcher’s era…named to all star team 1968…  Exceptional fielder…captured three consecutive gold gloves awards1969-71…Gradually gained power and raised BA…1972 he experienced a huge letdown mirroring that of the team…dealing  with injuries, hitting .221, he yielded time to rookie Bobby Grich…Made expendable sent to Atlanta in a package deal…embarked on a career year hitting an amazing 43 home runs, well over double his career best….a decline in defensive skills prompted splitting time at 1^st and 2^nd base for 1975…Hitting came down to earth too with 15 hr, .251 avg…Set to play 1975 but bolted to Japan after one at-bat…it was an adventure; had extreme culture shock in the far east and did poorly in first season…made comeback on the field in 1976 but clashes with manager off field prompted a return to the states…picked up by Philadelphia in a reserve role…did well in 1977 hitting .321…Entered managing ranks in 1979 teaming with Hal Breeden at Miami…Alternating years he managed up the NY Met farm system…Came to NYC 1984 and met with immediate success peaking with a 1986 world series championship…Never a losing full season with the Mets…Later managed Reds, Orioles, Dodgers and the Nationals.