Davey Johnson's return stirs memories for Oriole fans.

It’s great to see Davey Johnson back in baseball again, managing the Washington Nationals, but as a Baltimore Oriole fan, I’m torn.
Johnson, of course, was the last manager to lead the Orioles to a winning season, in 1997.
The Orioles lost to the Cleveland Indians in Game Six of the American League Championship Series that season.
They were in First Place every day that year, going wire to wire.
Apparently, the success did not meet the high standards of excellence set by owner Peter Angelos.
Johnson was named Manager of the Year, and abruptly quit a few hours later, via fax, citing an ongoing feud with Peter Angelos. Sadly, the Orioles haven’t had a winning season since.
In fact, they’re mired in 13 straight losing seasons, and they’re likely heading toward a 14th.
The veteran skipper has managed in New York, Cincinnati and Los Angeles, but he’ll always be revered for his short two-season stay in Baltimore.
That’s because when Oriole fans think of Johnson, they remember winning, something that hasn’t exactly been commonplace in Baltimore.
Johnson is a proven winner, just look at his record: he is 258 games over .500 (1,148-890). He has also managed in the Olympics and World Baseball Classic.
His last stint as manager was with the Dodgers in 1999-2000, where he posted a 163-161 record. Johnson’s only season below .500 was his first year in Los Angeles.
It’s ironic that Johnson is managing again, on a team whose games are broadcast by the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network - - - owned by the person (Angelos) that fired Johnson 13 years ago.
I hope the Washington Nationals play well under Johnson. They are the hottest team in baseball right now.
It’s just a downright shame that he’s no longer managing the Orioles. His resignation in 1997 was part of a series of personnel moves under Angelos, that still leave Baltimore baseball fans scratching their collective heads.
In 1996, Angelos let Hall of Fame broadcaster Jon Miller leave town, because he didn’t “bleed black and orange.“
Johnson left town in 1997.
One season later, Angelos refused to offer slugging first baseman Rafael Palmeiro a contract extension - - - until it was too late - - - and Raffy returned to the Texas Rangers. Ever since, the Orioles have had a gaping, long-term hole at first base, featuring Will Clark, Jeff Conine, Kevin Miller, Aubrey Huff, Garrett Atkins and now Derek Lee.
In 1999, Angelos decided that the Orioles would not sign ace pitcher Mike Mussina to a contract extension, and the Moose left for an American League East division rival: the New York Yankees. The Orioles have not replaced Mussina since that time. He only posted 270 career victories, and could make the Hall of Fame. If he does, it will likely be as a Yankee, and Oriole fans can thank Angelos.
The managerial position has been a revolving door under Angelos, featuring Johnny Oates, Phil Regan, Johsnon, Ray Miller, Lee Mazzilli, Sam Perlozzo, Dave Trembley, and Buck Showalter.
The 68-year-old Johnson hasn’t managed since 2000, when he was in the dugout with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’ll take over a surging Nationals team, that was 40-39 entering Tuesday night’s game against the Anaheim Angels.
As an Oriole fan, I wish Johnson nothing but the best and for success in D.C. But he should still be in Baltimore.