Dodgers Legend Davey Lopes Remembered by Justin Turner

Former Dodgers third baseman pays tribute to the late All-Star and coach

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:57pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of blue, white, and red, depicting the motion and intensity of a baseball game, conceptually representing the legacy of Dodgers great Davey Lopes.A cubist interpretation of a Dodgers baseball game captures the dynamic energy and competitive spirit that defined Davey Lopes' legendary career.Los Angeles Today

Former Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner took to social media to remember Davey Lopes, a Dodgers All-Star and World Series champion who passed away at the age of 80. Lopes played for the Dodgers from 1972 to 1981 and later returned as a coach, working with Turner and other Dodgers players.

Why it matters

Lopes was a beloved figure in Dodgers history, making four consecutive All-Star teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As a coach, he helped the Dodgers and other teams win championships, and was known for his straight-shooting style and deep baseball knowledge.

The details

Turner recalled a specific interaction with Lopes, saying 'I'll never forget being on 1st base for 3 or 4 pitches and him looking right at me and saying, 'What the hell are you waiting for? Go!'' Lopes was drafted by the Dodgers in 1968 and made his MLB debut in 1972, playing for the team through the 1981 season. After retiring as a player, he became a coach, working for the Milwaukee Brewers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals before returning to the Dodgers in 2010.

  • Lopes passed away on April 8, 2026.
  • Lopes played for the Dodgers from 1972 to 1981.
  • Lopes returned to the Dodgers as a coach in 2010, a role he held through the 2015 season.

The players

Justin Turner

A former third baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers who played with Davey Lopes as a coach.

Davey Lopes

A former Dodgers All-Star and World Series champion who later returned to the team as a coach, working with players like Justin Turner.

Bobby Valentine

A former MLB manager who came up in the Dodgers' system with Lopes and later hired him to the Texas Rangers' coaching staff in 1988.

Larry Bowa

A former MLB player and coach who played with Lopes in Chicago and competed against him when Lopes was with the Dodgers.

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What they’re saying

“Davey Lopes. Such a straight shooter and a great baseball mind. I'll never forget being on 1st base for 3 or 4 pitches and him looking right at me and saying, 'What the hell are you waiting for? Go!'”

— Justin Turner, Former Dodgers Third Baseman

“It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Davey Lopes. Davey was a great teammate, coach on my safe and player. A Man's man and a true friend. You will be missed but not forgotten.”

— Bobby Valentine, Former MLB Manager

“Sending heartfelt condolences to Davey Lopes' family. He was one of the greatest competitors I had the privilege to play with in Chicago, and against when he was with the Dodgers. RIP my friend.”

— Larry Bowa, Former MLB Player and Coach

What’s next

The Dodgers organization is expected to hold a memorial service or tribute to honor Davey Lopes' legacy in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Davey Lopes was a beloved figure in Dodgers history, known for his straight-talking style, baseball expertise, and competitive spirit. His impact on the game and the players he coached, including Justin Turner, will be long-lasting.