Los Angeles Dodgers World Series winner Davey Lopes dies aged 80
Former Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman and four-time All-Star Davey Lopes has died at the age of 80 in Rhode Island following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The organisation was informed of his passing on Wednesday by his former wife, Lin.
He formed a crucial part of a historic infield quartet alongside Steve Garvey, Bill Russell and Ron Cey during the 1970s and 1980s.
The group started together for a remarkable eight and a half consecutive seasons in California.
A prolific threat on the basepaths
The record-setting infielder established himself as one of baseball’s premier base stealers after making his major league debut in September 1972.
He stole 418 bases during a decade-long spell with the franchise, sitting second in their all-time history behind only Maury Wills.
The Rhode Island native holds the club record with an 83.1% career success rate for players with at least 100 steals.
In 1975, the lightning-fast leadoff hitter recorded a then-MLB record of 28 consecutive steals without being caught.
World Series glory and managerial career
The four-time All-Star appeared in four World Series, culminating in a championship victory over the New York Yankees in 1981.
His finest postseason performance came during the 1978 showcase, where he launched two home runs in the opening game and later secured a Gold Glove award.
After departing Los Angeles, the versatile veteran spent time with the Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros before retiring.
He finished his playing days with 557 career stolen bases, a tally that ranks 26th in Major League Baseball history.
Transitioning to the dugout
Following his retirement from playing, the former champion managed the Milwaukee Brewers for three seasons from 2000.
He subsequently enjoyed an extensive coaching career across the league, including spells with the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres and Washington Nationals.
A second World Series ring followed while operating as the first-base coach for the Philadelphia Phillies.
He eventually returned to the Dodgers as a baserunning coach, spending five seasons helping to develop the next generation of talent before stepping away in 2017.
