Davey Lopes, a former Major League Baseball standout whose career intersected with both heartbreak and triumph in Philadelphia, has died at the age of 80.
Lopes, best known as a speedy second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, left a lasting mark on Phillies history long before he ever wore the uniform of the organization. His role in the infamous 1977 National League Championship Series game at Veterans Stadium remains one of the most memorable and painful moments for Phillies fans.
In that game, often referred to as “Black Friday,” Lopes’ grounder with two outs in the ninth inning bounced off Mike Schmidt’s left knee before Larry Bowa retrieved it and fired to first base. The Phillies thought they beat Mr. Lopes to the bag for the final out of the NL Championship Series Game 3. But umpire Bruce Froemming ruled Mr. Lopes safe, tying the score and keeping a nightmarish inning alive. Replays seemed to indicate that the ball had arrived ahead of Lopes.
Despite that early connection to Phillies disappointment, Lopes would later become an important contributor to one of the most successful eras in team history.
After retiring as a player following a 16-season career that included four All-Star selections and a Gold Glove award, Lopes transitioned into coaching. He joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007 as first base coach, a role he held through 2010.
During his tenure, Lopes played a key role in transforming the Phillies into one of baseball’s most aggressive and efficient base-running teams. Under his guidance, the team consistently ranked among league leaders in stolen bases and success rate, emphasizing smart, opportunistic running.
That approach became a hallmark of the Phillies’ style during their championship run. The 2008 team, which won the World Series, featured multiple players with 20 or more stolen bases and led the majors in stolen-base efficiency. Lopes’ influence was credited with helping shape the instincts and confidence of players on the basepaths.
Born in Rhode Island, Lopes spent the bulk of his playing career with the Dodgers, where he was part of multiple National League championship teams and a World Series winner in 1981. Known for his speed, he twice led the league in stolen bases and built a reputation as one of the game’s premier leadoff hitters.
Source: Phila. Inquirer