Dodgers Great Davey Lopes Dies at 80

Lopes was a four-time All-Star and key member of the Dodgers' record-setting infield in the 1970s and '80s.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the motion and energy of a baseball game, representing the legacy of Dodgers player Davey Lopes.The legacy of Dodgers great Davey Lopes is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that deconstructs his dynamic play on the field.Los Angeles Today

Davey Lopes, a four-time All-Star who played 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was a member of their record-setting infield in the 1970s and '80s, has died at the age of 80. Lopes was one of baseball's premier base stealers, holding the Dodgers franchise record with 418 stolen bases.

Why it matters

Lopes was a beloved figure in Dodgers history, playing a key role on some of the team's most successful teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His death marks the passing of an era for the franchise and the loss of one of the most dynamic players of his generation.

The details

Lopes made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1972 at the age of 27 and went on to play 10 seasons with the team. He was part of the Dodgers' infield that included Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey, and the group started together for 8 1/2 consecutive seasons. Lopes established himself as one of the best base stealers in baseball, swiping 418 bags for the Dodgers, the second-highest total in franchise history.

  • Lopes made his MLB debut on September 22, 1972.
  • Lopes, Garvey, Russell, and Cey began starting together in the infield in 1973.
  • Lopes won a World Series championship with the Dodgers in 1981.

The players

Davey Lopes

A four-time All-Star who played 10 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and was a member of their record-setting infield in the 1970s and '80s. Lopes was one of baseball's premier base stealers, holding the Dodgers franchise record with 418 stolen bases.

Steve Garvey

A member of the Dodgers' infield alongside Lopes, Russell, and Cey in the 1970s and '80s.

Bill Russell

A member of the Dodgers' infield alongside Lopes, Garvey, and Cey in the 1970s and '80s.

Ron Cey

A member of the Dodgers' infield alongside Lopes, Garvey, and Russell in the 1970s and '80s.

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The takeaway

Lopes' passing marks the end of an era for the Dodgers, as he was a central figure on some of the team's most iconic teams. His legacy as one of the best base stealers in franchise history and a key member of the Dodgers' record-setting infield will be long remembered by fans.