Davey Lopes, part of Dodgers' long-running infield, dies at age 80
Key Points:
- Davey Lopes, a key second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers' historic infield and a four-time All-Star, died at age 80, the Dodgers announced. He played 16 major league seasons, primarily with the Dodgers, and later served as a coach for multiple MLB teams, including the Dodgers and Phillies.
- Lopes was known for his exceptional base-stealing ability, winning two stolen base titles and setting a postseason record with 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts during the 1981 World Series, which the Dodgers won. He stole 557 bases in his career with an 83% success rate, one of the best in MLB history.
- Born and raised in a challenging environment in East Providence, Rhode Island, Lopes overcame adversity with the help of a mentor and excelled in both baseball and basketball at Washburn University before being drafted by the Dodgers in 1968.
- After retiring as a player in 1987, Lopes had a lengthy coaching career, including managing the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000 to 2002, and contributing to the Phillies' 2008 World Series championship as a baserunning advisor despite battling prostate cancer that year.
- Lopes is remembered for his leadership, work ethic, and impact on the game, both on and off the field, and is survived by six siblings.