davey johnson will be honored by the New York Mets with a memorial “Davey” patch on the sleeve of their uniforms during the 2026 season, the team announced Tuesday (ET). The move follows Johnson’s death in September at age 82, and it places his legacy at the center of a season that also features broadcaster Howie Rose’s goodbye at the microphone. The first public moments of the tribute are expected Thursday at Citi Field (ET), with Johnson’s family participating in the ceremonial first pitch.
Memorial patch announcement and what the Mets confirmed
The Mets said the club will wear a memorial “Davey” patch on uniform sleeves this season, tied to a broader recognition of Johnson’s impact on the franchise. released by team owners Steve Cohen and Alex Cohen, the Mets described Johnson as “a bold manager who led with a quiet confidence and an unwavering belief in his team, ” adding that he cared deeply for his players on and off the field.
The owners also framed the timing as significant: “In the 40th anniversary of the 1986 championship, this is a fitting tribute to the man who guided the team to that title, ” they said. The organization did not provide additional on-field details beyond the sleeve patch, keeping the announcement focused on the memorial symbol and the ceremonial involvement planned for opening day at Citi Field.
Davey Johnson’s legacy in Mets history
davey johnson connects directly to both of the Mets’ championships referenced in the team’s announcement. His final out of the 1969 World Series clinched the franchise’s first title. Years later, he guided the Mets to their next—and most recent—championship as manager in 1986.
The Mets also highlighted Johnson’s standing in the record book: he is the winningest manager in franchise history with 595 wins and holds the best winning percentage at. 588. The team noted his tenure from 1984–90 as a period of sustained excellence, with Mets clubs averaging more than 95 wins per season. The framing from ownership emphasized a leadership style rooted in steadiness and belief, while also noting that “some of the greatest players in our team history credit him for their successes. ”
Immediate reactions from Mets ownership
Steve Cohen, Owner, New York Mets, and Alex Cohen, Owner, New York Mets, delivered the club’s clearest public reaction in their joint statement (Tuesday, ET). They described Johnson’s approach as both bold and quietly confident, with a focus on player care and long-term impact. Their remarks positioned the memorial patch as an organizational salute, not just a symbolic gesture.
Opening day ceremony: Johnson family and 1986 stars set to take part
Thursday’s season opener at Citi Field (ET) will include Johnson’s family in the ceremonial first pitch sequence. The Mets said Johnson’s widow, Susan, will escort Johnson’s stepson, Jeremiah Allen, and grandson, Kai Casebolt, to the mound.
The ceremonial first pitches will be caught by Darryl Strawberry and Mookie Wilson, identified by the Mets as key members of the 1986 championship team. The plan adds a direct link between the memorial recognition and the players most closely associated with the title Johnson managed.
Quick context and what’s next
The Mets are marking the 40th anniversary of their 1986 championship during the 2026 season, and the team is using the uniform patch to place Johnson’s memory into that calendar. The tribute also arrives as the season is described as a farewell year for Howie Rose at the microphone.
Next, attention turns to Thursday at Citi Field (ET), when the ceremonial first pitch is expected to serve as the first on-field moment of the commemoration. The Mets’ uniform patch will keep the tribute visible throughout the season, extending the recognition of davey johnson beyond the opener and into every game in which the sleeve patch is worn.
