Davey Lopes, Dodgers Basestealing Legend, Dies at 80

Lopes, a four-time All-Star, won a World Series with the Dodgers and later managed the Brewers.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion and energy of a baseball player stealing a base, with sharp, overlapping planes of Dodger blue, white, and red colors.The vibrant, geometric style captures the energy and dynamism of Davey Lopes' prolific base-stealing career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Los Angeles Today

Davey Lopes, a prolific base stealer who spent 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and later managed the Milwaukee Brewers, has passed away at the age of 80, the Dodgers announced on Wednesday.

Why it matters

Lopes was a key part of the Dodgers' success in the 1970s, helping the team win a World Series title in 1981. His base-stealing prowess and all-around play made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles and a respected figure throughout baseball.

The details

Over his 16-year MLB career, Lopes stole 557 bases, which ranks him 20th on the all-time list. He made four All-Star teams and won a World Series championship with the Dodgers in 1981. After retiring as a player, Lopes went on to manage the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992 to 1995.

  • Lopes passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • He spent 10 seasons with the Dodgers from 1972 to 1981.

The players

Davey Lopes

A four-time MLB All-Star who spent the majority of his 16-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning a World Series title in 1981. He later managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 1992 to 1995.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The professional baseball team Lopes played for from 1972 to 1981, winning a World Series championship in 1981.

Milwaukee Brewers

The MLB team Lopes managed from 1992 to 1995 after his playing career ended.

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What they’re saying

“Davey Lopes was a true Dodger legend and one of the most dynamic players to ever wear the uniform. He was a key part of our 1981 World Series championship team and made an indelible mark on Dodgers history.”

— Stan Kasten, President and CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers

The takeaway

Lopes' passing marks the end of an era for the Dodgers, as he was one of the last remaining links to the team's glory days of the 1970s and early 1980s. His combination of speed, defense, and all-around play made him a fan favorite and an integral part of the Dodgers' success during that period.