Mike Silva's New York Baseball Digest » Davey Johnson

The Wild Ride of Bobby Valentine and Steve Phillips

Saturday, December 3rd, 2011

Steve Phillips and Bobby Valentine were reunited yesterday on the “Evan and Phillips Show” on Mad Dog Radio. It was a reunion of two men that appeared would never mend the fence after a tumultuous six years as the Mets GM/field manager combo. For as much criticism both Phillips and Valentine receive after the fact, they […]

Backman Not Joining Nationals

Tuesday, October 11th, 2011

I was just informed that the report about Wally Backman possibly joining the #Nats as a Major League coach is not true. #MLB #MetsTue Oct 11 18:24:55 via webWilliam Ladsonwashingnats Bill Ladson, Nationals beat reporter for MLB.com reports that Wally Backman will not be joining Davey Johnson’s staff. I would suspect this means that Backman […]

The Softer Side of Kevin Mitchell

Friday, August 19th, 2011

Last Saturday, Darryl Strawberry’s Sports Grill participated in Douglaston Community Day and celebrated their one year anniversary. As part of the festivities Strawberry invited former teammates, New York athletes, and coaches. Terry Leach, Barry Lyons, former Giants punter Sean Landeta, Buddy Harrelson, and Kevin Mitchell showed up to sign autographs for the fans. Mitchell was the most surprising guest as we […]

Listen: Weekly Digest Tonight at 6pm

Sunday, June 26th, 2011

Tonight I am headlined by longtime sports writer Phil Pepe. Phil has been a friend to the show over the years, and he will discuss his latest book “1961*: The Inside Story of the Maris-Mantle Home Run Chase.” Pepe had a firsthand look at the ’61 Yanks and the historic home run race as he […]

Old Timers’ Day, Koufax Last Hit, Saturday Baseball

Sunday, June 26th, 2011

Want to get your juices flowing for Old Timers’ Day at the Stadium later today? Check out this video with highlights from last year’s festivities. It includes interviews with Cecil Fielder, Ron Blomberg, Rick Cerone, Nick Swisher, Bob Turley, and Jerry Coleman. *** Davey Johnson tells a story about how he got the last hit […]

Davey Johnson in Best Position Since ’84 Mets

Saturday, June 25th, 2011

It’s been 27 years since Davey Johnson first managed a big league ballclub. He told Frank Cashen that prior offseason that it was “a smart decision” to hire him. It’s probably equally as smart, perhaps fortuitous due to the resignation of Jim Riggleman, for Mike Rizzo to make the same decision in 2011. Johnson has managed, […]

Watch: McDowell vs. Jefferies Brawl in 1989

Saturday, June 11th, 2011

Great video I found on YouTube. This is a blast from the past. It’s the final Mets home game in 1989. I still remember watching this game. Gregg Jefferies grounded out to end the ball game, and promptly raced over to brawl with the Phillies closer, and former Met, Roger McDowell. From what I have […]

Does Girardi Have it Harder Than Anyone in History?

Friday, May 6th, 2011

Factoring in expectations, modern media & circumstance (aging icons) no NY manager/coach has had to deal w/more than Joe Girardi #everless than a minute ago via Twitter for Android Favorite Retweet ReplyBrandon TierneyBrandonTierney This is an interesting point made by BT. When you factor in the city, organization, fading icons, and the new media does […]

Fran Healy: I Think Davey Johnson Will Manage Again

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Last night, Fran Healy of the MSG network joined me on the show to discuss the four part series “Summer of 86″ that will air March 1st to the 4th on MSG. We talked about Fran’s memory of that ’86 season, the players that made it happen, and of course the skipper Davey Johnson. During […]

Can Backman Pull Off the Upset?

Saturday, November 20th, 2010

Being the underdog is nothing new to Wally Backman. Despite being selected in the first round of the draft, it took him seven years to finally establish himself in the big leagues, only doing so after performing for future Mets manager Davey Johnson at Tidewater in 1983. Even though Backman put up solid numbers as […]