Davey Lopes

David Earl “Davey” Lopes, baseball legend and patriarch of his family, passed away in Rhode Island on April 8, 2026, at age 80. Davey leaves behind a family who loves him deeply and a profound legacy of nearly 50 years in Major League Baseball as a player, coach, and manager.

Born on May 3, 1945, in East Providence, Rhode Island, Davey was one of Mary Rose Sylvia’s 10 children, raised in a very close-knit family. As the oldest boy, Davey’s propensity for leadership began long before he rose to fame in Major League Baseball – he was a dedicated son and brother and was admired by his siblings and peers.

Davey graduated from La Salle Academy in 1963 and went on to attend Iowa Wesleyan University on a basketball scholarship. In college he earned All-American honors in both baseball and basketball. Davey transferred to Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated with a degree in elementary education in 1969. He became the first in his family to earn a college degree and was later inducted into the Washburn Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1967, Davey declined an offer from the San Francisco Giants, opting to finish earning his college degree. After graduating from Washburn, Davey was in the U.S. Army Reserves and served as a teacher in the Providence Public School system before getting drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968 – famously missing spring training to finish his classes.

Davey spent his first 10 years as a professional baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the Dodgers’ second basemen, Davey became Captain of the team and part of one of the most iconic infields in baseball history. Although there have been unofficial team leaders since, no official captain has been appointed since Davey in 1979. He also went on to play for the A’s, Cubs and Astros during a16-year Major League career that was defined by excellence. He was a four-time All-Star and a Gold Glove Award winner, known for his incredible speed, sharp instincts, and leadership on the field. In 1978, Davey had the best World Series of his career, starting with two home runs in Game 1 against the New York Yankees. In 1979 he led the National League with 77 stolen bases and set a Major League record with 38 consecutive stolen bases without being caught. He is 26th in MLB history with 557 career stolen bases. Davey also helped the Dodgers to four World Series, including winning the World Series in 1981.

After retiring from playing baseball in 1987, Davey spent nearly 30 more years coaching in the MLB for the Orioles, Rangers, Padres, Nationals, Phillies, and Dodgers. In 2008, he was the first-base coach and outfield/baserunning instructor for the Phillies when they won the World Series. As a first base coach, he took great pride in mentoring players, teaching them not just how to play the game, but how to think it, respect it, and carry themselves with integrity. Davey also served as manager for the Milwaukee Brewers from 2000 to 2002 and returned to the Dodgers in 2010 as a first-base coach before finally retiring from baseball in 2017 at age 71.

Davey was stoic, solid, and honorable. Despite his tremendous career accomplishments and fame, he always remained true to his family and his roots. While the world will remember Davey for his incredible contributions to baseball, we will remember him for his dedication to his family and the love and protection he gave us all. He is survived by his siblings, Jean, Judith, John, Mary, Nina, and Patrick, his children, Vanessa, James, and David Jr., and five grandchildren. He is predeceased by his siblings Betty, Vincent, and Michael.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, 1 Cathedral Square. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 5-8 PM in the PERRY-McSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence.