Bats

by Davey Johnson, Peter Golenbock

The manager of the New York Mets discusses the setbacks and triumphs of the 1985 season and candidly reveals his opinions of the state of the game, umpires, opposing players, other managers, and the press

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Memoir, Nonfiction

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography had been sitting on my shelf for about 35 years, so I decided to read it here in September 2025 to honor the recent passing of Davey Johnson. I'm sure the 2018 book by Johnson is the definitive choice. Having said that, this chronicle of Johnson's managing year with the Mets in 1985 is enjoyable. It includes quick hitting, short chapters and is plain spoken even as baseball books go. But it nonetheless reveals enough about Davey Johnson and his management style and experience, in my opinion. One thing I took from the book that was significant for me was a newfound appreciation for Gary Carter. Johnson makes clear the toughness, dedication, and joy that Carter consistently displayed. Despite having watched a ton of Mets games in the 1980s (though not a Mets fan in particular), I think differently and more highly of The Kid just from the snippets about him in this book. Despite his reputation as a camera hog, Carter I really do think was the genuine article. Johnson is also an interesting character study. A players' manager, a nervous wreck, and surprisingly sensitive about his coverage by the press and the attitude of the fans. And he clearly loves his team and his players. Interesting that the last few pages quite clearly predict a championship for his Mets in 1986. I am sure the 2018 biography would round out his entire career better and is the one to go with. But this was a good start at the time.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

An honest but concise look at the 1985 Mets, published before their legendary 1986 season.