{"id":174677,"date":"2026-04-09T07:15:30","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T07:15:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=174677"},"modified":"2026-04-09T07:15:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T07:15:30","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8sad-news-dodgers-legend-and-former-nationals-coach-davey-lopes-has-tragically-passed-away-at-the-age-of-80-leaving-a-huge-void-in-the-baseball-world-fans-and-players-alike-are-mourning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=174677","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8SAD NEWS: Dodgers legend and former Nationals coach Davey Lopes has tragically passed away at the age of 80, leaving a huge void in the baseball world! Fans and players alike are mourning the loss of a true icon. His impact on the game will never be forgotten! ..ll\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\ud83d\udea8BASEBALL LEGEND PASSES AWAY: Davey Lopes, Dodgers’ Iconic Base Stealer and 1981 World Champion, Dies at 80! \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n

\"Dodgers<\/p>\n

Los Angeles, CA<\/strong> \u2013 The baseball world mourns the loss of Davey Lopes<\/strong>, one of the sport’s most renowned base stealers and a key member of the Los Angeles Dodgers’<\/strong> legendary infield of the 1970s and 80s. Lopes passed away at the age of 80, a loss that resonates deeply within the Dodgers’ community and baseball fans everywhere. His death was confirmed by his former wife, Lin Lopes<\/strong>, from Rhode Island.<\/p>\n

Lopes<\/strong> was a dynamic and versatile player who spent 10 seasons with the Dodgers, earning four All-Star selections<\/strong> and playing in four World Series<\/strong>, including winning the 1981 World Championship<\/strong>. His contributions to the Dodgers\u2019 success during this era cannot be overstated, as he was one of the most impactful players in the franchise’s storied history.<\/p>\n

A Legacy Cemented in Dodgers History<\/h3>\n

Lopes\u2019 place in Dodgers\u2019 history is secure, as he holds the franchise record for the most games played at second base<\/strong>, with a staggering 1,134<\/strong> games. His prowess at the top of the batting order is also notable, as he ranks second in games batting leadoff<\/strong> for the Dodgers, with 1,145 games, trailing only the legendary Maury Wills<\/strong>, who played 1,279 games in that spot.<\/p>\n

The journey began when Lopes debuted in the major leagues at the age of 27 on September 22, 1972<\/strong>. His arrival marked the beginning of an era for the Dodgers. In the following year, he became part of the iconic infield trio alongside Steve Garvey<\/strong>, Bill Russell<\/strong>, and Ron Cey<\/strong>. Together, they formed one of the most durable and successful infields in baseball history, starting together for 8 1\/2 consecutive years<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Base Stealing Machine: Lopes\u2019 Historic Career<\/h3>\n

Lopes was not only known for his consistency and longevity, but also for his electrifying base stealing<\/strong> abilities. Over his career with the Dodgers, he stole 418 bases<\/strong>, a total that still ranks as the second-highest<\/strong> in franchise history, behind only Maury Wills’ 490<\/strong>. Lopes’ ability to steal bases with precision set him apart, and his 83.1% success rate<\/strong> (minimum 100 steals) remains a franchise record<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Lopes\u2019 impact on the base paths<\/strong> was undeniable. On August 4, 1974<\/strong>, he became the first Dodger since Wills to steal four bases<\/strong> in a single game. Just 20 days later, he tied the National League record<\/strong> with an impressive five steals<\/strong> in one game against the St. Louis Cardinals<\/strong>. In 1975<\/strong>, Lopes set a then-MLB record<\/strong> for 28 consecutive steals without being caught<\/strong>, showcasing his exceptional skill and smarts on the base paths.<\/p>\n

A Career Defined by Championships and Excellence<\/h3>\n

Beyond his base-stealing achievements, Lopes had an impressive career, especially in the World Series<\/strong>. In 1978<\/strong>, he played his best postseason series, starting with two home runs<\/strong> in Game 1 of the World Series<\/strong> against the New York Yankees<\/strong>. This unforgettable performance helped solidify his place in Dodgers lore. That same year, Lopes won a Gold Glove<\/strong> for his stellar defense, cementing his reputation as an all-around player.<\/p>\n

After his illustrious career with the Dodgers, Lopes went on to play for several other teams, including the Oakland Athletics (1982-84)<\/strong>, Chicago Cubs (1984-86)<\/strong>, and Houston Astros (1986-87)<\/strong>. Over the course of his career, Lopes stole a total of 557 bases<\/strong>, ranking 26th in MLB history<\/strong>. He also hit .263<\/strong> with 155 home runs<\/strong>, 614 RBI<\/strong>, 232 doubles<\/strong>, and 50 triples<\/strong> across **1,812 regular-season games.<\/p>\n

From Player to Coach: Lopes’ Continued Impact on Baseball<\/h3>\n

\"Former<\/p>\n

After retiring from playing, Lopes transitioned into coaching and managing. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers<\/strong> from 2000-2002<\/strong>, before coaching with several teams including the Baltimore Orioles<\/strong>, San Diego Padres<\/strong>, Washington Nationals<\/strong>, Philadelphia Phillies<\/strong>, and back with the Dodgers. Notably, Lopes won a second World Series<\/strong> title as the Phillies’ first-base coach<\/strong>. He then returned to the Dodgers, where he served as the baserunning and first-base coach from 2011-2015<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Lopes\u2019 final two seasons in the majors were spent as the Washington Nationals’ first base coach<\/strong> from 2016-2017<\/strong>. His influence on the game continued even after his playing days were over, mentoring the next generation of baseball stars and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.<\/p>\n

A Family Man and a Baseball Icon<\/h3>\n

Lopes is survived by his brothers, Patrick and John<\/strong>, and sisters, Jean, Judith, Mary, and Nina<\/strong>. His legacy as a baseball icon extends beyond his stats and achievements on the field \u2014 he was known for his passion for the game, his dedication to his teams, and his unwavering love for the Dodgers.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Dodgers<\/strong> have lost a cherished member of their family, and baseball fans across the world will forever remember Davey Lopes<\/strong> as one of the greatest players to ever don the uniform. His contributions to the sport and to the Dodgers\u2019 history will continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike.<\/p>\n

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Davey Lopes\u2019 passing is a reminder of the rich history of the Dodgers’ infield, his legacy as a base-stealing legend, and his deep impact on the game of baseball.<\/strong> Whether it was his electrifying steals, his World Series heroics, or his leadership off the field, Lopes’ place in baseball history remains firmly secured.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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