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Article: Davey Johnson Is a Semi-Changed Man. He's still tough, smart and relentess. But the Orioles' new manager has learned to manage the politics of baseball, too
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- March 31, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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(BEGIN PART 1 OF 2)
Cal Ripken played for Davey Johnson once, 10 years ago.
Johnson had just managed the New York Mets to the 1986 World Series
title. So he was designated to lead a major league barnstorming team
on a tour of Japan.
"We had every star you could think of," recalls Ripken, who
had to share shortstop with Ozzie Smith. "At the first team meeting,
Davey said, `Let's go over the signs . . . Aw, the hell with it.
Let's not have any signs.' "
Smiles.
"And no `take' signals, either."
Chuckles.
"On 3-0, you're all swinging."
Laughter.
"Anytime you want to steal, then steal."
Cheers.
Plenty of baseball officials, up to the commissioner's office,
were ...