The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a franchise legend on Wednesday as longtime second baseman Davey Lopes passed away at the age of 80 years old.
Lopes played 10 seasons with the Dodgers, earning four All-Star selections and appearing in four World Series. He most notably was a member of L.A.’s record-setting infield in the 1970s and 1980s, alongside Steve Garvey, Bill Russell and Ron Cey.
Lopes returned to the Dodgers as their baserunning and first base coach from 2011-2015, where he was part of several playoff teams.
Justin Turner, who spent the first two seasons of his Dodgers career with Lopes, expressed his condolences while also sharing a funny story. Turner’s sentiment is similar to stories other players who were coached by Lopes have shared.
Davey Lopes. Such a straight shooter and a great baseball mind. I’ll never forget being on 1st base for 3 or 4 pitches and him looking right at me and saying, “What the hell are you waiting for? Go!”
It’s a sad day for the baseball world. Prayers to his family and everyone who…
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) April 8, 2026
Ned Colletti, whose time as Dodgers general manager overlapped with Lopes’ coaching stint, deemed him one of the best first base coaches in MLB history.
Davey was a winner in life & on the field. After an outstanding playing career, he became a coach – the best 1st base coach I ever saw: secondary leads, pitch tips, cutting your steps 1st to 3rd…he looked and taught players to look for every advantage. 1 of 1. #lopes #dodgers https://t.co/bLUNt79ufF pic.twitter.com/Mi4cq4BeEW
— Ned Colletti (@realnedcolletti) April 8, 2026
Lopes was one of the most prolific base stealers of his time, finishing with the second-highest career total (418) in franchise history behind Maury Wills (490). He was also incredibly efficient, holding the franchise record with an 83.1% career success rate (minimum 100 steals).
Lopes’ 557 career stolen base total is good for 26th in MLB history.
Davey Lopes’ MLB career
Lopes played 16 seasons at the Major League level, spending time with the Dodgers (1972-1981), Oakland Athletics (1982-1984), Chicago Cubs (1984-1986) and Houston Astros (1986-1987). He batted .263/.349/.388/.737 with 232 doubles, 50 triples, 155 home runs and 614 RBI in 1,812 regular-season.
Lopes also served as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000-2002 and coached for the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies and Dodgers throughout his career.
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