Honoring Davey Lopes: A Look Back at His Impact on the Dodgers Dugout
Dodgers Icon Davey Lopes Passes Away at 80
Sad news has surfaced in the Dodgers community with the passing of Davey Lopes, a member of the legendary Garvey-Lopes-Russell-Cey infield. Lopes, who made significant contributions to the team throughout his career, died at the age of 80.
Former Dodgers owner and president Peter O’Malley paid tribute to Lopes, stating, “Even though Davey may have been the less visible of the famous long-running Dodger infield with Cey, Russell and Garvey, his impact on the team’s success was huge. All Dodger fans will always remember the excitement he gave us on the basepaths, and I admire his commitment to the game managing, coaching, and instructing after his playing days.”
Born on May 3, 1945, in East Providence, Rhode Island, Lopes faced hardship early in life, losing his father at just two years old. His mother, Mary Rose, worked tirelessly to support Lopes and his nine siblings. Baseball provided him with a refuge from those challenges.
“If it hadn’t been for sports, there’s no telling what I’d be or where I’d be,” Lopes reflected in a 1973 interview. “I had one glove until I got to high school. I guess I can admit now that I confiscated more than a few bats and balls.”
Lopes found mentorship in baseball coach Michael Sarkesian, who helped him navigate his challenges. “Whatever I missed by not really having had a father, Sarkesian provided,” Lopes stated, underscoring the profound influence the coach had on his life.
After earning recognition as an NAIA All-American at Iowa Wesleyan, Lopes was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1967, but he chose instead to join the Dodgers in 1968. His early seasons at Class A Daytona Beach marked the beginning of his journey to stardom.
In 1970, Lopes was promoted to Triple-A Spokane, where he transitioned from an outfielder to a second baseman under Tommy Lasorda’s guidance. By 1973, Lopes secured the starting second base position and formed part of a historic infield alongside Bill Russell, Ron Cey, and Steve Garvey. This quartet, which debuted on June 23, 1973, holds the record for the longest-running infield in MLB history.
As a dynamic leadoff hitter, Lopes was known for his exceptional base-stealing skills. Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench labeled him the best base stealer of his time. Over five seasons, Lopes recorded impressive stolen base statistics, peaking with 77 steals in 1975—the highest in the league—which included a streak of 38 consecutive successful steals.
Lopes made notable contributions in postseason play, accumulating a batting average of .241 with six home runs and 20 steals across 50 games. His performance in the 1978 World Series, where he hit two home runs and credited his mentor Jim Gilliam, highlighted his resilience amidst personal loss.
Despite challenges later in his career and a trade to the Oakland Athletics, Lopes continued to excel, breaking records for stolen bases at age 40. He retired after two seasons with the Houston Astros and transitioned into coaching, significantly impacting player development, particularly during his later years with the Dodgers.
Ned Colletti, the Dodgers’ former general manager, expressed his admiration, stating, “Davey Lopes transformed coaching at first base. His situational awareness and intricacy of coaching first base was the best I have ever watched.”
Former Dodgers reliever Tom Niedenfuer remembered Lopes for his humility and support, calling him a valuable figure to younger players.
Among players with at least 350 stolen bases, Lopes ranks fifth in stolen base percentage, showcasing his effectiveness on the field. Lopes attributed his success to keen observation and analysis of pitchers, demonstrating a strategic approach to base running.
As the Dodgers community mourns Lopes’ loss, best wishes are extended to his family, friends, and former teammates.
Tragic News for Miguel Rojas
In related news, Dodgers player Miguel Rojas learned of his father’s passing in Venezuela just before a scheduled game against the Toronto Blue Jays. Rojas conveyed his grief during a press conference, expressing the difficulty of processing the sudden loss. Despite the emotional turmoil, he opted to play on Wednesday, recognizing his parents’ sacrifices for his baseball career.
Team Update and Future Games
With recent events impacting the community, discussions regarding the team will resume next week. A series of games against Texas is set, with the Dodgers ready to face off against notable pitchers throughout the weekend.
As the organization reflects on the memories of Lopes and the challenges faced by Rojas, the commitment to supporting players and honoring legacies remains strong.
