Nationals manager Davey Johnson named Sporting News N.L. Manager of the Year

The Sporting News announced on Wednesday morning that Washington Nationals manager Davey Johnson had been named National League Manager of the Year. The distinction was awarded upon a vote conducted by 17 major league managers.

Johnson was able to lead the Nationals to their first winning record and playoff berth since the team relocated to Washington D.C. from Montreal in 2005. In addition, the team compiled a league leading 98 wins during the regular season.

After proclaiming during spring training that he should be fired if the team failed to make the postseason this year, the Nationals quickly earned first place in the highly competitive N.L. East on June 5 and retained the spot for the remainder of the season, managing to hold off the Atlanta Braves.

Johnson expressed his appreciation for being given the honor, via the Sporting News:

"To be recognized by my fellow comrades, a particularly accomplished bunch, makes this award especially meaningful. I send my thanks to them and the folks at Sporting News, as well as the Lerner family and Mike Rizzo for giving me the opportunity to manage such a special, talented group of men. To put on the uniform every day and compete is an honor I never take for granted."

In addition to Johnson, Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter was named the American League Manager of the Year after leading the team to 93 wins this season.

The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) will announce the winner of its own Manager of the Year Award next month. The Sporting News award has been presented annually since 1936.