Padres Honor Coaching Legend Davey Lopes After Passing

The San Diego Padres pay tribute to the influential coach who helped guide the team to the 1998 World Series.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes in navy, green, and orange, representing the multifaceted legacy of a beloved baseball coach.The Padres honor the lasting impact of coach Davey Lopes, whose influence on the game's fundamentals and team-building left an indelible mark.San Diego Today

The San Diego Padres issued a heartfelt tribute following the passing of Davey Lopes, a revered coach who spent eight seasons with the franchise and played a pivotal role in the team's historic 1998 World Series appearance. Lopes, who died at the age of 80 due to complications related to Parkinson's disease, was widely respected across Major League Baseball for his emphasis on fundamentals, player development, and elevating team performance.

Why it matters

Lopes' impact extended far beyond his time with the Padres, as he built a reputation as one of the game's most respected coaches over the course of his decades-long career. His influence can be seen in the players and teams he helped shape, making his passing a significant loss for the entire baseball community.

The details

During his eight seasons with the Padres, Lopes helped guide the team to its second World Series appearance in 1998. His focus on baserunning, discipline, and game preparation was instrumental in the club's historic season. Across his career, Lopes earned recognition as a master of fundamentals and a developer of talent, elevating the performance of every team he coached.

  • Davey Lopes passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Lopes spent eight seasons coaching for the Padres, including the team's 1998 World Series run.

The players

Davey Lopes

A longtime coach who spent eight seasons with the San Diego Padres, helping guide the team to the 1998 World Series. Lopes was widely respected across Major League Baseball for his emphasis on fundamentals, player development, and elevating team performance.

San Diego Padres

The Major League Baseball team that Davey Lopes coached for eight seasons, including the team's historic 1998 World Series appearance.

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What they’re saying

“We mourn the loss of Davey Lopes, who spent 8 years coaching for the Padres and was instrumental in the success of the '98 team.”

— San Diego Padres

The takeaway

Davey Lopes' passing is a significant loss for the baseball community, as he leaves behind a legacy of coaching excellence and a profound impact on the players and teams he worked with over the course of his decades-long career. The Padres' tribute highlights the enduring influence of this revered coach, whose emphasis on fundamentals, player development, and team-building helped shape one of the most successful seasons in franchise history.