Ron Cea recalls one of his standout performances in MLB, particularly grateful for a moment linked to Davey Lopez. Looking back over 50 years, Cea remembers facing difficulties with his swing leading up to Game 2 of the 1974 National League Championship Series.
“I felt sluggish and low on energy,” Cea shared during a phone conversation. He told Lopez, “I just don’t feel like I’m getting the bat speed or entering the zone.” His teammate offered a suggestion that would change the game for him.
Cea was using a heavy 34/35-ounce Louisville Slugger bat at the time. Lopez handed him a lighter bat that looked almost delicate. Initially, Cea hesitated, thinking it might be too small for his needs. “That looks a bit tiny,” he remarked, realizing they had different styles—Cea being a slugger and Lopez known for his contact hitting.
Lopez encouraged him, “Just give it a try. I think you’ll notice a difference.”
Surprisingly, Cea excelled that game, hitting two doubles and a home run, ultimately going 4-for-5. This performance was crucial in leading the Dodgers to a victory that propelled them to the World Series in 1974. Reflecting on it later, Cea remarked, “I should have made the switch earlier, but I was too stubborn. He changed my mind.”
Wednesday was bittersweet for Cea as he reflected on Lopez’s passing at 80, after battling poor health. To many in baseball, Lopez’s legacy shines through his impressive stats: 1,671 hits, 614 RBIs, and a remarkable 557 stolen bases in his 16-year career, not to mention a Gold Glove Award and a 1981 World Series title.
However, for those who shared the field with him, his impact transcended numbers. “He was the catalyst,” Steve Garvey recalled, recognizing Lopez as a “quiet leader.” The camaraderie among Cea, Garvey, Bill Russell, and Lopez created a unique bond; they formed an extraordinary infield that played together for over eight years—a record stretch. Garvey called him the greatest infielder of all time, adding how Lopez’s speed on the bases was a game-changer.
“He could really control the game with his ability to steal bases,” Cea noted, emphasizing the havoc Lopez caused for opposing defenses. Beyond statistics, Cea reflected on their lifelong friendship, remembering their initial meeting at spring training in 1969 and the bond they maintained through the years.
In Cea’s words, “I probably watch the Dodgers players more than I see my own family,” highlighting the deep connections forged during their time on the team. The infielders made things easier for their managers, playing regularly and helping the Dodgers secure four National League pennants along with a championship in 1981.
While they’ll be remembered for their victories, Cea knows it’s the smaller moments that mattered too, especially before the 1974 NLCS. “It was special for all of us to carve out our own little history,” he said, recognizing their unique place in the legacy of the Dodgers and in each other’s lives.
