All-Star 2B, base stealer Davey Lopes dies at 80

Field Level Media
09 Apr 2026, 01:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Davey Lopes, a four-time All-Star second baseman and a prolific base stealer, died on Wednesday at the age of 80.

Lopes played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1972-81, winning a World Series in his final season with the club.

He led the majors with 77 stolen bases in 1975 and topped the National League with 63 thefts in 1976. Lopes ranks second in Dodgers history with 418 steals.

'The Dodgers mourn the loss of Davey Lopes, who passed away today at age 80,' the team posted on social media. '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 made four straight NL All-Star teams from 1978-81 while sharing the infield with first baseman Steve Garvey, shortstop Bill Russell and third baseman Ron Cey. The group set an MLB record for games played together with 833.

Lopes played for the Oakland Athletics (1982-84), Chicago Cubs (1984-86) and Houston Astros (1986-87) following his time in L.A. He retired with a .263 batting average, 155 homers, 614 RBIs and 557 steals in 1,812 games.

He set a record by stealing 38 consecutive bases during the 1975 season, a mark later surpassed by Vince Coleman with 50 straight from 1988-89.

Lopes won a Gold Glove at second base in 1978.

Lopes managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000-02, posting a 144-195 record. He was fired after a 3-12 start to the 2002 campaign. He was on the coaching staffs of the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies and the Dodgers.

--Field Level Media

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