Davey Lopez, the former second baseman who helped the Dodgers clinch the World Series title in 1981, died on Wednesday, as announced by the team.
According to Los Angeles officials, “Lopez was a record-setting infielder during the 1970s and 1980s, and he ranks among the greatest base stealers in MLB history,” just as the Dodgers prepared to face the Blue Jays at Rogers Center in Toronto.
Lopez was 80 years old.
A product of Washburn University, he was drafted by the Giants in the eighth round of the 1967 draft, but the deal fell through. Eventually, he signed with the Dodgers after being selected in the second round of the 1968 draft, where he would build a remarkable career.
He made his debut in 1972 and became a key player in 1973.
On the field, he was known for his speed, stealing 30 or more bases in eight of his 16 seasons.
Lopez participated in the All-Star Game for the first time in 1978 and earned three additional selections throughout his career.
He was a critical part of the Dodgers team that defeated the Yankees to secure the World Series in 1981.
Lopez officially retired from MLB in 1987, having also played for teams in Oakland, Chicago, and Houston. Over his career, he appeared in 1,812 games, stole 557 bases, and had a batting average of .263.
After retiring from playing, he continued in the sport as a coach for teams like the Rangers, Orioles, and Padres in the 1990s. He later became the manager of the Brewers in 2000.
His managerial record stood at 144 wins and 195 losses before he was let go in 2002.
He eventually worked with the Nationals and Phillies before returning to the Dodgers as a first base coach. He retired from management at the end of 2017.
