Dodgers Legend Davey Lopes Passes Away at 80

Davey Lopes, a celebrated member of the Los Angeles Dodgers' record-setting infield of the 1970s and one of baseball's premier basestealers, passed away on April 8, 2026, at the age of 80. Lopes' death was confirmed by the Dodgers, who were informed by his former wife, Lin Lopes.

Born on May 3, 1945, in East Providence, Rhode Island, Lopes rose from a challenging upbringing to become a key figure in Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his debut on September 22, 1972, at the age of 27, after spending several years in the minor leagues. Lopes quickly established himself as a dynamic presence, playing 10 seasons with the Dodgers and becoming a four-time All-Star from 1978 to 1981.

Throughout his career, Lopes was known for his exceptional speed and discipline on the basepaths. He stole a remarkable 557 bases during his 16-year career, ranking 26th in MLB history, with an impressive 83% success rate. This rate is higher than that of baseball legends Rickey Henderson and Lou Brock, who are often regarded as the best base stealers in history. Lopes led the National League in stolen bases in both 1975 and 1976, with 77 and 63 steals, respectively. In 1975, he set an MLB record by stealing 38 consecutive bases without being caught, a mark that stood until it was surpassed by Vince Coleman in 1988.

As part of the Dodgers' iconic infield, Lopes played alongside first baseman Steve Garvey, shortstop Bill Russell, and third baseman Ron Cey. This quartet set a record for the most games played together by an infield, starting their run on June 23, 1973, and remaining intact for 8½ seasons. Together, they helped the Dodgers reach four World Series, winning the championship in 1981. Lopes was instrumental in that postseason, stealing ten bases in ten attempts, a feat that underscored his prowess on the basepaths.

In addition to his success as a baserunner, Lopes was also a formidable hitter. He recorded 155 home runs during his career, including a franchise record for home runs by a second baseman with 99. His best offensive season came in 1979 when he hit 28 home runs, a record for a Dodgers second baseman until Jeff Kent surpassed it in 2005.

After his illustrious playing career, Lopes transitioned into coaching, where he continued to influence the game for nearly two decades. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000 to 2002 and was a first-base coach and baserunning instructor for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, where he won a World Series in 2008. His coaching career spanned from 1988 to 2017, during which he was respected for his ability to develop young talent and improve teams' baserunning efficiency.

Lopes' impact on the game extended beyond statistics. He was known for his leadership qualities, both on and off the field. He was named the Dodgers' fifth captain in 1977, a role that highlighted his importance to the team during a period of success. Lopes was a skilled player and a mentor to younger teammates, often sharing his insights on the intricacies of the game.

His legacy is marked by his contributions to the Dodgers, where he remains one of the franchise's all-time greats. Lopes' career statistics include a .263 batting average, 614 RBIs, and a .349 on-base percentage over 1,812 games. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities made him one of the premier leadoff hitters of his era.

Throughout his life, Lopes faced numerous challenges, including a difficult childhood marked by the early loss of his father. He often credited sports with providing him a path out of a tough environment. Lopes once remarked, "If it hadn’t been for sports, there’s no telling what I’d be or where I’d be." His perseverance and determination were evident in both his playing and coaching careers, inspiring many who crossed his path.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Lopes was inducted into various Hall of Fames, including the Washburn University Hall of Fame, where he had played both baseball and basketball. His legacy is one of athletic achievement and of the personal connections he made throughout his career.

Davey Lopes is survived by his brothers, Patrick and John, and sisters, Jean, Judith, Mary, and Nina. The Dodgers organization expressed their condolences, stating, "The Dodgers mourn the loss of Davey Lopes, who passed away today at age 80. Lopes was a member of the team's record-setting infield of the 1970s and 1980s and one of the finest basestealers in MLB history. Our condolences go out to his family and friends." Lopes' impact on baseball will be remembered for generations, as he remains a symbol of excellence and perseverance in the sport.