Davey Lopes, Dodgers Infield Stalwart and Stolen Base King, Dies at 80

Lopes was a key member of the Dodgers' celebrated infield in the 1970s and '80s, known for his speed and efficiency on the bases.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:55am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and overlapping perspectives of a baseball player stealing a base, with the Dodgers' infield players represented as fragmented geometric shapes in the team's signature colors.Lopes' speed and the Dodgers' iconic infield are deconstructed into a dynamic, geometric celebration of baseball's golden era.Los Angeles Today

Davey Lopes, a four-time All-Star second baseman who spent the majority of his 16-year MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died at the age of 80. Lopes was a member of the Dodgers' legendary infield in the 1970s and '80s, which also included Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell, and is considered one of the most successful infields in baseball history. Lopes was a prolific leadoff hitter and base stealer, leading the league in steals twice and finishing his career with 557 stolen bases, the second-most in Dodgers franchise history.

Why it matters

Lopes was a key figure in the Dodgers' success during their dominant run in the 1970s and early '80s, helping the team reach four World Series and win the 1981 championship. His speed and baserunning prowess made him one of the most exciting players of his era and a fan favorite in Los Angeles.

The details

Lopes spent the first 10 seasons of his MLB career with the Dodgers, where he established himself as one of the game's premier leadoff hitters and base stealers. He led the league in steals in 1975 and 1976, and finished his career with 557 stolen bases, the second-most in Dodgers history behind Maury Wills. Lopes was also a key member of the Dodgers' celebrated infield, which also included Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell, and is considered one of the most successful infields in baseball history.

  • Lopes spent his first 10 seasons with the Dodgers, helping them reach four World Series and win the 1981 championship.
  • From 1973 to 1979, Lopes ranked among the league leaders in runs scored and stolen bases, leading MLB with 77 steals in 1975 and the National League with 63 in 1976.
  • At age 40, Lopes stole 47 bases for the Houston Astros in 1985, still the single-season record for a player that age.

The players

Davey Lopes

A four-time All-Star second baseman who spent the majority of his 16-year MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his speed and efficiency on the bases.

Steve Garvey

The Dodgers' first baseman and a member of the team's celebrated infield in the 1970s and '80s.

Ron Cey

The Dodgers' third baseman and a member of the team's celebrated infield in the 1970s and '80s.

Bill Russell

The Dodgers' shortstop and a member of the team's celebrated infield in the 1970s and '80s.

Walter Alston

The Dodgers' manager who created the team's celebrated infield in the 1970s by moving players to new positions.

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What they’re saying

“If we weren't the best infield of all time, we were the most successful. Every member was a multi-year All-Star, we appeared in more World Series than any infield, and we won a world championship.”

— Ron Cey, Dodgers third baseman

“The most entertaining ballclub is one that's aggressive on the base paths. It's a funny thing: Running brings your team together—and also brings the crowd to its feet.”

— Davey Lopes

The takeaway

Davey Lopes' legacy as a key member of the Dodgers' celebrated infield and one of the most prolific base stealers in MLB history cements his place as one of the most exciting and influential players of his era, beloved by Dodgers fans for his speed, hustle, and winning pedigree.