Davey Lopes Dead at 80: Dodgers Legend and Base-Stealing Icon Passes Away

Los Angeles, CA — Davey Lopes, the speedy second baseman who anchored one of the greatest infields in Los Angeles Dodgers history and became a respected coach and manager, has died at the age of 80.

Lopes passed away on April 9, 2026, following a medical emergency at his home in Los Angeles. His family confirmed the news and has requested privacy during this difficult time.

Career Highlights and Statistics

Born on May 3, 1945, in East Providence, Rhode Island, Davey Lopes played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (1972–1987). He spent his prime years with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1972–1981), where he formed the longest-running infield in baseball history alongside Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell.

Key Career Stats (Regular Season):

  • Games: 1,812
  • Batting Average: .263
  • Hits: 1,671
  • Home Runs: 155
  • RBIs: 614
  • Runs Scored: 1,023
  • Stolen Bases: 557 (led the National League in 1975 and 1976)
  • OPS: .737

Lopes was a 4-time All-Star (1978–1981), won the Gold Glove Award in 1978, and helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series. He later played for the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros.

After retiring as a player, Lopes enjoyed a long second career as a coach and manager. He managed the Milwaukee Brewers (2000–2002) and served as a base-running and first-base coach for several teams, including the Phillies (where he earned a second World Series ring as a coach in 2008) and the Dodgers.

Net Worth at Death

At the time of his passing, Davey Lopes’ estimated net worth was approximately $8 million, accumulated through his MLB playing salary, coaching contracts, pensions, and post-retirement appearances.

Tributes Pour In for Dodgers Legend

News of Lopes’ death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from the baseball community:

  • Los Angeles Dodgers: “Davey was the heart and soul of our 1970s teams. His speed, leadership, and baseball IQ left an indelible mark on the franchise and everyone fortunate enough to play alongside him.”
  • Former longtime teammate Steve Garvey: “Davey was more than a teammate — he was a brother. His competitive fire and loyalty defined what it meant to be a Dodger.”

Players, coaches, and fans have praised Lopes for his pioneering base-stealing techniques and his mentorship of younger generations. Many remember him as one of the smartest and most intense competitors the game has seen.

Lopes was previously diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 but made a full recovery at the time.

He is survived by his family. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Baseball has lost a true legend. Rest in peace, Davey Lopes.