Career Timeline of Davey Lopes: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 8, 2026

Discover the career path of Davey Lopes, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Davey Lopes is a former MLB second baseman and manager. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros. He also managed the Milwaukee Brewers. Lopes batted and threw right-handed during his playing career.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1967: Drafted by San Francisco Giants

In 1967, Lopes was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round of the MLB draft, but he did not sign with them.

1968: Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers

In 1968, Lopes was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the MLB January Draft.

1970: Plays in Triple-A Spokane

In 1970, Lopes played in Triple-A, in Spokane, with Tommy Lasorda as manager.

September 22, 1972: MLB Debut

On September 22, 1972, at the age of 27, Lopes made his major league debut for the Dodgers against the Giants, going hitless in five at bats.

1972: Plays in Triple-A Albuquerque

In 1972, Lopes played in Triple-A Albuquerque, with Tommy Lasorda as manager.

May 13, 1973: First Home Run

On May 13, 1973, Lopes hit his first major league home run against Jim Barr of the San Francisco Giants.

1978: All-Star and World Series performance

In 1978, Lopes appeared in an All-Star game. Lopes' best World Series was against the Yankees, when he hit three home runs and seven RBIs.

1979: Career High Home Runs

In 1979, Lopes hit a career-high 28 home runs, becoming one of only seven second basemen in NL history to have hit that many home runs in a season.

1982: Traded to Oakland Athletics

Before the 1982 season, the Dodgers traded Lopes to the Oakland Athletics to make room for rookie Steve Sax. Lopes teamed with Rickey Henderson to steal 158 bases, setting a new American League record for teammates. Henderson collected 130, Lopes 28.

1983: 17 Home Runs

In 1983, Lopes hit 17 home runs.

August 31, 1984: Traded to Chicago Cubs

On August 31, 1984, the Athletics traded Lopes to the Chicago Cubs to complete an earlier deal for Chuck Rainey.

July 21, 1986: Traded to Houston Astros

On July 21, 1986, Lopes was traded to the Houston Astros for Frank DiPino.

1987: Retirement

In 1987, Lopes retired at the end of the season, after stealing 47 bases at the age of 40 and 25 at age 41.

1989: Bench Coach for Texas Rangers

From 1989 to 1991, Lopes served as the bench coach for the Texas Rangers.

1991: End of Bench Coach for Texas Rangers

In 1991, Lopes ended his service as the bench coach for the Texas Rangers.

1992: First Base Coach for Baltimore Orioles

From 1992 to 1994, Lopes coached first base for the Baltimore Orioles.

1994: End of First Base Coach for Baltimore Orioles

In 1994, Lopes ended his service as the first base coach for the Baltimore Orioles.

1995: First Base Coach for San Diego Padres

From 1995 to 1999, Lopes coached first base for the San Diego Padres.

1999: End of First Base Coach for San Diego Padres

In 1999, Lopes ended his service as the first base coach for the San Diego Padres.

2000: Hired as Milwaukee Brewers Manager

In 2000, Lopes was hired as the Milwaukee Brewers manager, becoming the manager for the team's last season at Milwaukee County Stadium and their first season at Miller Park.

2002: Fired as Milwaukee Brewers Manager

In 2002, fifteen games into the season, club management fired Lopes as manager because of the Brewers' poor performance and his media and field antics.