A rare blend of speed and power, Lopes hit a career-high 28 home runs in 1979, becoming one of only seven second basemen in NL history to have hit that many home runs in a season (Rogers Hornsby, Davey Johnson, Jeff Kent, Ryne Sandberg, Juan Samuel and Chase Utley are the others). He also hit 17 twice (1978 and 1983), appeared in four consecutive All-Star games from 1978 to 1981, played in one Division Series, six NLCS and four World Series, including as a member of the 1981 World Champion Dodgers. Arguably Lopes’ best World Series was against the Yankees in 1978, when he hit three home runs and seven RBIs.
He was part of the longest running infield of all time with first baseman Steve Garvey, Shortstop Bill Russell, and Third baseman Ron Cey,nearly nine yeras together.
Smallthoughts: Old School Tuesday salutes second baseman and stolen base threat Davey Lopes.
MLB debut
September 22, 1972 for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Last MLB appearance
October 4, 1987 for the Houston Astros
Career statistics
Batting average
.263
Home runs
155
Runs batted in
614
Stolen bases
557
Win–loss record
144-195
Winning %
.425
Teams
As player
Los Angeles Dodgers (1972–1981)
Oakland Athletics (1982–1984)
Chicago Cubs (1984–1986)
Houston Astros (1986–1987)
As manager
Milwaukee Brewers (2000–2002)
As coach
Baltimore Orioles (1992–1994)
San Diego Padres (1995–1999, 2003–2005)
Washington Nationals (2006)
Philadelphia Phillies (2007–2010)
Los Angeles Dodgers (2011–present)
Career highlights and awards
4× All-Star (1978–1981)
2× World Series champion (1981, 2008)
Gold Glove Award (1978)
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