The season of Howie Rose, who is saying his goodbye at the mic, also will be the season of Davey Johnson.
The Mets will wear a memorial “Davey” patch on the sleeve of their uniforms this season, they announced Tuesday, after Johnson died in September at 82.
Johnson’s final out of the 1969 World Series clinched the Mets’ first championship, and he then guided the Mets to their next and most recent title as manager in 1986.
He is the winningest skipper in franchise history (595), owns the best winning percentage (.588) and kept a steady hand from 1984-90, when his Mets clubs averaged more than 95 wins per season.
“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 family will be around for Thursday’s season opener at Citi Field and take part in the ceremonial first pitch.
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His widow, Susan, will escort Johnson’s stepson, Jeremiah Allen, and grandson, Kai Casebolt, to the mound.
Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson, key members of the ’86 Mets, will catch the first pitches.
