A 2nd-round draft pick, Davey Lopes made his Major League debut with Los Angeles in 1972 and won the starting job at Second Base the following year.
Lopes established dominance on the basepaths, winning back-to-back National League Stolen Base titles with 77 steals in 1975 and 63 in 1976. He set a major league record by successfully converting 38 consecutive stolen base attempts without being caught. As a leadoff hitter, he proved to be a formidable threat, capable of manufacturing a run immediately.
As the 70s went on, Lopes became even more powerful in his game. In 1979, he hit a career-high 28 home runs, tying with teammates Steve Garvey and Ron Cey for the team lead. He was a regular presence at the All-Star Game during that time, earning four straight selections from 1978 to 1981 and even receiving the Gold Glove Award in 1978. His time in Los Angeles reached a memorable peak in 1981, when he played a key role in helping the Dodgers win the World Series over the Yankees. His performance that season marked a fitting ending to his impressive ten-year journey with the team.
After the 1982 season, Lopes was traded to Oakland. With the Dodgers, Lopes batted .262 with 1,204 Hits and 418 Stolen Bases.
Lopes parlayed his leadership skills into a successful career as a Coach, winning a second World Series Ring with the Phillies in 2008.
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