Davey Johnson was one of the most important figures and influential people in my career. Although Mets Extra was sanctioned by the ball club, he allowed me to approach our pre game interviews the same as a beat writer, which meant asking legit, sometimes tough questions. (More)
He could have insisted that it be treated as a house organ, but he understood not only that I would be laughed off the air if we treated it that way, but that he could use those sessions as a vehicle to inform fans of his thought processes regarding in game decisions. (More)
Once he came to trust me, which took about a month in 1987, he alllowed us to create something unparalleled among shows of that nature. When he was in a disagreement with GM Frank Cashen, we addressed it. When it appeared that his job was in jeopardy we addressed it. (More)
When he was upset with a player, he gently explained why. When he was upset with his boss, he wasn’t so gentle, but insisted that he give his side of the story. On top of all of that, he allowed me to pick his brain on and off the air about all things baseball. (More)
He claimed that he didn’t care what the fans thought of him, but he would hear their occasional criticisms on the post game show. That led to one of my favorite one air episodes. One night he happened to pass by our booth at Shea Stadium while we were taking phone calls. (More)
I flagged him down (while we were live on the air) and convinced him to come in and take a few calls with us. I prefaced this by telling the fans “Okay, instead of complaining to me about him, here’s the skipper himself. This is your chance. Call in and have at it”. (More)
One by one, they came on the air and expressed their love for him, thanking him for the previous year’s World Series win. I couldn’t believe it. No critics. It was a love fest, and although Davey seemed to enjoy it, nothing touched him more than an ovation in 1988. (More)
On the last day of the regular season, with the Mets having clinched first place in the NL East, Davey came out to make a pitching change, and the Shea crowd gave him a long standing ovation. It touched him to the core and I was thrilled for him. (More)
I’m very glad that many years later I was able to thank him for all that he did for me at a pivotal point in my career. I told him that if not for all that he taught me about the game I’m not sure that I would have become a big league PBP broadcaster. (More)
If there’s someone important in your life who helped get you where you are try to let that person know how influential he or she has been. They will appreciate it, and you will feel great about acknowledging their impact. Condolences to his wife Susan and the Johnson family. RIP.
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