Dodgers Legend Davey Lopes Dies at 80

LOS ANGELES, CA — Davey Lopes, a key member of the Dodgers' famed infield during the team's 1970s and 1980s success who later coached the team, died Wednesday at age 80.

The Dodgers were informed of his death in Rhode Island by his former wife, Lin Lopes. He died following a battle with Parkinson's disease, TMZ reported.

"The Dodgers mourn the loss of Davey Lopes, who passed away today at age 80," the Dodgers posted on social media Wednesday. "Lopes was a member of the team's record-setting infield of the 1970s and 1980s and one of the finest basestealers in MLB history. Our condolences go out to his family and friends."

Lopes was a four-time All-Star during his 10 years with the Dodgers. He played in four World Series, winning the 1981 championship. He holds the franchise record for most games played at second base with 1,134. His 1,145 games batting leadoff are second in the organization only to Maury Wills (1,279).

He was a key part of one of baseball's most celebrated infields alongside Steve Garvey, Bill Russell and Ron Cey.

Known for his speed and discipline at the plate, Lopes recorded 557 stolen bases over his 16-year major league career and was widely regarded as one of the premier leadoff hitters of his era.

He led the National League in stolen bases in 1975 and was a key contributor to the Dodgers' World Series championship in 1981.

After leaving the Dodgers, Lopes played for the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros before retiring in 1987. He stole 557 career bases — 26th in MLB history — while hitting .263 in 1,812 regular-season games with 155 home runs, 614 RBI, 232 doubles and 50 triples.

After his playing days, Lopes managed the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000-02. He coached with the Orioles, Padres, Nationals, Phillies and Dodgers.

He won a second World Series as the Phillies’ first-base coach before returning to the Dodgers as the baserunning and first-base coach from 2011-15. He spent his final two seasons in the majors as the Nationals first base coach in 2016-17.

Lopes is survived by his brothers, Patrick and John, and sisters, Jean, Judith, Mary and Nina.

Material from City News Service and the Associated Press was used in this report.