2026 -- H 8441

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BASEBALL ICON DAVEY LOPES AND

EXPRESSING SYMPATHY ON HIS PASSING

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Kazarian, Dawson, Chippendale, Furtado,
Boylan, Speakman, Craven, Slater, and Finkelman

     Date Introduced: April 14, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sorrow that this House of Representatives has learned of the

passing of Davey Lopes, a legendary figure in Major League Baseball and a proud native of

Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, David Earl Lopes, born on May 3, 1945, in the City of East Providence and

raised in South Providence, rose from humble beginnings as one of ten children of Mary Rose

Sylvia to become one of the most accomplished and respected players in professional baseball.

Lopes was an all-state athlete in baseball and basketball at La Salle Academy before playing in

college at Iowa Wesleyan University and Washburn University, and later making his Major

League Baseball debut in 1972; and

     WHEREAS, Davey Lopes enjoyed a distinguished 16-year Major League career, playing

for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Houston Astros, and was

widely recognized as one of the premier second basemen and base stealers in the history of the

game; and

     WHEREAS, As a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ famed infield alongside Steve Garvey,

Ron Cey, and Bill Russell, Lopes helped define an era of excellence in the 1970s and early 1980s,

with the group setting a Major League record for games played together; and

     WHEREAS, In 1975, he led all of Major League Baseball with 77 stolen bases and set a

then-record by successfully stealing 38 consecutive bases without being caught, further

cementing his legacy as one of the game’s most dynamic players; and

     WHEREAS, Renowned for his speed and intelligence on the basepaths, Lopes stole 557

bases during his career, ranking among the top base stealers in Major League history, and

achieved an exceptional success rate of over 83 percent—surpassing even legends such as Rickey

Henderson and Lou Brock; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his offensive prowess, Lopes was an outstanding defensive

player, earning a Gold Glove Award in 1978, and was named team captain of the Dodgers in

1977 in recognition of his leadership both on and off the field; and

     WHEREAS, A four-time All-Star from 1978 through 1981, Lopes was a key contributor

to the Dodgers’ success, appearing in four World Series and helping lead the franchise to a

championship victory in 1981; and

     WHEREAS, Following his playing career, Davey Lopes devoted decades to the game as

a coach and manager, including serving as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers and contributing

as a coach to a World Series championship with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008, ultimately

spending nearly 45 consecutive years in professional baseball; and

     WHEREAS, In recognition of his enduring impact and as a source of pride for the local

community, the Davey Lopes Recreation Center in the City of Providence was built and named in

his honor, and continues to serve as a vital community resource providing recreational

opportunities and youth programming, thereby carrying forward his legacy of inspiring future

generations; and

     WHEREAS, Davey Lopes passed away in his hometown after complications due to

Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance, excellence, and dedication to the

sport he loved; and

     WHEREAS, He will be deeply missed by his loving family, including his siblings Jean,

Judith, John, Mary, Nina, and Patrick; his cherished children Vanessa, James, and David Jr.; and

his five grandchildren, as well as by generations of friends, fans, teammates, and players who

benefited from his mentorship and example. He was predeceased by his siblings Betty, Vincent,

and Michael; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Davey Lopes and honors his extraordinary

life, remarkable career, and enduring contributions to the game of baseball; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the family of Davey Lopes.

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