Davey Lopes

Davey Lopes is a former Major League Baseball second baseman, outfielder, coach, and manager, best known as the dynamic leadoff hitter and base-stealing catalyst for the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers teams of the 1970s. A four-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, he was a key member of the 1981 World Series champions and set a then-record for consecutive stolen base successes. Following his playing career, Lopes served as a coach for several organizations and managed the Milwaukee Brewers, later becoming one of the most respected first base and baserunning instructors in the game.

Early life and amateur career

Born in East Providence, Rhode Island, Lopes attended La Salle Academy before playing baseball and basketball at Iowa Wesleyan University. His athletic prowess was evident early, but he was not heavily scouted, eventually being selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 1968 amateur draft. Before signing professionally, he also served a stint in the United States Army, which delayed the start of his minor league career in the Dodgers' farm system.

Professional baseball career

Lopes made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1972, quickly establishing himself as the team's starting second baseman. He formed the famed "Dodgers Infield" alongside Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey, a unit that remained intact for a record-setting eight and a half seasons. A premier leadoff hitter, Lopes led the National League in stolen bases twice (1975, 1976) and set a major league record by stealing 38 consecutive bases without being caught from 1975 to 1976. He was instrumental in the Dodgers' 1974, 1977, 1978, and 1981 pennant-winning campaigns, finally capturing a World Series ring in 1981. After the 1981 season, he played for the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros before retiring in 1987, finishing his career with 557 stolen bases.

Coaching and managerial career

Immediately after retiring, Lopes transitioned to coaching, joining the Texas Rangers as a first base coach in 1988. He later served as a coach for the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres before being named manager of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2000. His tenure with the Brewers lasted parts of three seasons. He returned to coaching with the Washington Nationals and enjoyed highly successful second stints with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was widely regarded as one of the game's premier baserunning gurus, helping teams like the Phillies and Dodgers to multiple NLCS appearances and World Series titles.

Legacy and honors

Lopes is remembered as one of the most efficient base stealers in baseball history, boasting a career success rate of over 83 percent. His number 15 was retired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022, an honor placing him among franchise legends. He is frequently cited for his significant role in the historic durability and success of the 1970s Dodgers infield. Furthermore, his impact as a coach, particularly in developing aggressive and intelligent baserunning strategies for modern clubs like the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers, has cemented his legacy across multiple generations of the sport.

Personal life

Residing in San Diego, California, Lopes is a prostate cancer survivor and has been an active advocate for awareness and early detection, often working with organizations like the Prostate Cancer Foundation. He has been married to his wife, Sharon, for decades, and the couple has two children. An avid golfer, he remains connected to the baseball community through alumni events and occasional media appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Category:American baseball second basemen Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players Category:Major League Baseball coaches