Dodgers Legend and Former MLB Manager Davey Lopes Dies at 80

Davey Lopes, a four-time All-Star second baseman and one of the most prolific basestealers in Major League Baseball history, died on April 8, 2026, at the age of 80.

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the death of the Rhode Island native, who spent nearly half a century in professional baseball as a player, coach and manager.

An Iconic Infield Presence

Lopes is best remembered as a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 1970s. From his first full season in 1973 through the 1981 campaign, he played 1,139 games at second base for the franchise.

For 833 of those contests, Lopes was part of a historic infield quartet alongside first baseman Steve Garvey, shortstop Bill Russell, and third baseman Ron Cey. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this group set a record for the most games played together by a single infield.

Lopes served as the fifth captain in Dodgers history starting in 1977. He was central to a period of sustained success that saw the team reach the World Series in 1974, 1977, and 1978 before ultimately winning the championship in 1981.

Base Stealing Mastery

A game-changer on the basepaths, Lopes was a premier speedster during a high-action era of the sport. He led the Major Leagues with 77 stolen bases in 1975 and followed that by leading the National League with 63 steals in 1976.

During the 1975 season, Lopes established an MLB record by stealing 38 consecutive bases without being caught, a mark that stood until it was broken by Vince Coleman in 1988. He finished his career with 557 stolen bases, a total that ranks 26th in MLB history.

His efficiency was equally notable, maintaining a successful steal rate of 83%, which is higher than the rate of all-time steals leader Rickey Henderson.

Career Transition and Longevity

After leaving the Dodgers following the 1981 season, Lopes continued to produce on the basepaths with other organizations. He stole 50 bases over two seasons with the Oakland Athletics while playing alongside Rickey Henderson.

At age 40, Lopes demonstrated his enduring speed by swiping 47 bags for the Chicago Cubs during the 1985 season. His playing career spanned 16 years, concluding with the Houston Astros in 1987.

Coaching and Managerial Legacy

Following his retirement as a player, Lopes transitioned into coaching and managing, remaining active in the big leagues from 1988 to 2017. He served as the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000 to 2002.

Lopes held coaching roles with several teams, including the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also spent time with the Washington Nationals, most recently coaching first base during the 2016-17 seasons alongside Dusty Baker.

He achieved a second World Series title as a coach in 2008, serving as the first-base coach and outfield/baserunning instructor for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 3, 1945, in East Providence, Rhode Island, Lopes attended La Salle Academy in Providence. He played college baseball for both Washburn University in Kansas and Iowa Wesleyan College.

While at Washburn, Lopes also played college basketball. Although he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round of the 1967 MLB draft, he did not sign with the club at that time, eventually making his Major League debut with the Dodgers on September 22, 1972.