Former Brewers Manager, World Series Champion Davey Lopes Dies at 80

Lopes was a four-time All-Star and one of baseball's premier base stealers during his 10 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, geometric shapes and colors, capturing the dynamic motion and energy of a baseball player stealing a base or playing in the field.The legacy of Dodgers great Davey Lopes, one of baseball's most dynamic base stealers, is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs the energy and movement of the game.Los Angeles Today

Davey Lopes, a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers' record-setting infield of the 1970s and '80s and one of baseball's premier base stealers, died on Wednesday at the age of 80. Lopes was a four-time All-Star during his 10 years with the Dodgers, playing in four World Series and winning the 1981 championship. He holds the franchise record for most games played at second base with 1,134 and his 1,145 games batting leadoff are second in the organization only to Maury Wills.

Why it matters

Lopes was a key member of the Dodgers' dominant infield during one of the most successful eras in franchise history, helping the team win a World Series title in 1981. His base-stealing prowess made him one of the most exciting players of his generation and his coaching career after retirement further cemented his legacy in the game.

The details

Lopes established himself as one of the most prolific base stealers in baseball, swiping 418 bases as a Dodger, the second-highest career total in franchise history behind Maury Wills. He led the majors in steals in 1975 with 77 and the National League in 1976 with 63. In 1978, he stole 45 bases in 49 attempts and won a Gold Glove that season. After leaving the Dodgers, Lopes played for the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros, finishing his career with 557 stolen bases, 26th most in MLB history.

  • Lopes made his MLB debut on September 22, 1972.
  • In 1973, Lopes began the first of 8 1/2 consecutive years starting in the Dodgers' infield with Steve Garvey, Bill Russell and Ron Cey.
  • On August 4, 1974, Lopes became the first Dodger since Maury Wills to steal four bases in a game.
  • On August 24, 1974, Lopes tied the NL record with five stolen bases in a game against the Cardinals.
  • In 1975, Lopes recorded a then-MLB record 28 consecutive steals without being caught.

The players

Davey Lopes

A four-time All-Star who played 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning a World Series title in 1981. He established himself as one of the most prolific base stealers in baseball history, swiping 418 bases as a Dodger, the second-highest career total in franchise history.

Maury Wills

The Dodgers' all-time leader in games played at second base with 1,134 and games batting leadoff with 1,279.

Steve Garvey

A member of the Dodgers' record-setting infield in the 1970s and '80s alongside Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey.

Bill Russell

A member of the Dodgers' record-setting infield in the 1970s and '80s alongside Lopes, Steve Garvey and Ron Cey.

Ron Cey

A member of the Dodgers' record-setting infield in the 1970s and '80s alongside Lopes, Steve Garvey and Bill Russell.

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The takeaway

Lopes' base-stealing prowess and his contributions to the Dodgers' success in the 1970s and '80s cement his legacy as one of the most exciting and impactful players of his generation. His coaching career after retirement further solidified his place in baseball history.