Davey Lopes: former MLB star player and manager has strong African ties
If you don’t know where the Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is, welcome to the club! Other than being know in North America as the place where many hurricanes form each autumn, many do not know much about this set of islands that is home to about 600,000 people.
But even before Gift Ngoepe became the first African-born player to debut in the Major Leagues, there was a player who grew up near Africa, in former Portuguese t, which is now the independent nation of Cape Verde.
Davey Lopes grew up in East Providence, NJ, a close-knit Cape Verdean community, where tenacity and hard work were woven into the fabric of daily life. His grandfather had fled the Cape Verde Islands, in search of a better life. The Lopes family, like many Cape Verdeans who settled in the northeastern United States, had to balance two worlds, their homeland's rich culture and customs and the harsh necessities of survival in America.
Lopes' father died when he was a child, leaving his family to deal with the challenges of life without him. In the absence of his father, a significant guiding force entered his life: Michael Sarkesian. Sarkesian, a mentor and father figure, helped shape Lopes' character and provided him with the necessary support and discipline. He urged Davey to focus his energies on sports and to believe in himself, despite the challenges in his way.
The neighborhood was full with people who looked out for one another, but possibilities were limited. Davey grew up playing stickball on the streets, dreaming of a career in baseball, but he knew he'd have to work hard for every inch of advancement. Sports were his escape and passion, but they were also a gateway to something bigger: a chance to break the cycle of hardship.
Baseball was not the most apparent choice for a Cape Verdean kid from New Jersey. The sport had racial obstacles, and Lopes, like many other African American and Latino athletes of his day, was frequently overlooked. His athletic ability was evident, but he had to prove himself every step of the way. In high school, he stood out in both baseball and basketball, but college recruiters weren't exactly knocking on his door. With no clear path to the major leagues, he attended Washburn University in Kansas, a tiny school where he could demonstrate his abilities. Even there, trouble occurred. He suffered racial discrimination both on and off the field, but rather than allowing it to break him, he used it to fuel his motivation.
The transfer from “nowhere”
Despite his success at Washburn, Lopes was still relatively unknown when he transferred to Iowa State University. At Iowa State, he began to attract the attention of major league scouts. Nonetheless, he was not taken in the MLB Draft until the 1968 secondary phase, when the Los Angeles Dodgers gambled on the quick infielder. At 23, he was older than most prospects, and the future was anything but assured.
The minor leagues were a grind. Lopes had to traverse the unappealing world of bus travels, poor lodgings, and low wages. More than that, he had to contend with persistent racial biases from the time. At some sites, he and other players of color were required to stay in separate lodgings from their white teammates. He could have walked away at any time, but resigning was not an option.
His perseverance had paid off. Lopes' speed and defensive abilities made him a prized asset, and he steadily advanced through the Dodgers' organization. In 1972, at the age of 27, he was finally called up to the majors. It was later than most, but Lopes arrived exactly on time.
When Lopes landed in Los Angeles, he made an immediate impact. He became the Dodgers' starting second baseman in 1973 and quickly established himself as one of the National League's greatest leadoff hitters. His speed on the basepaths was incredible, and he made stealing bases an art form.
In 1975, he set a National League record for stealing 38 consecutive bases without being caught, demonstrating his precision and baseball IQ. That season, he had 77 stolen bases, ranking second in the league. He built one of baseball's most legendary infields with Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Bill Russell, and they played together for over ten years.
Over his career, Lopes accumulated 1,671 hits and 155 home runs, 614 RBIs, and a career batting average of .263. His biggest strength, however, was his speed. He stole 557 bases, placing him among the finest base stealers of his generation.
Lopes was instrumental in the Dodgers' postseason success, guiding the team to the World Series in 1974, 1977, 1978, and 1981. In 1981, the Dodgers finally won it all, defeating the New York Yankees. Lopes was 36 years old at the time, and he was leading the club to a victory that had eluded them for so long.
Lopes played until 1987, and he was regarded as one of the most intelligent players in history. However, his impact did not cease with his retirement.
Giving back, on and off the field
Lopes utilized his platform to coach the next generation. He moved into coaching and spent decades teaching young players the intricacies of the game. His expertise in base running and defense made him a popular coach, and he worked for several MLB teams, including the Dodgers, Padres, Nationals, and Phillies. His understanding and ability to teach the mental aspect of baseball shaped future stars, guaranteeing that his impact would be felt long after his playing career had ended.
Aside from baseball, Lopes has been a dedicated advocate for the Cape Verdean community, sharing his narrative to motivate young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. He has spoken at a number of events, highlighting the value of perseverance, discipline, and self-confidence. He has also taken part in community outreach initiatives, working with impoverished youngsters to inspire them to follow their aspirations, whether in sports or other fields.
His journey also demonstrates the often-overlooked Cape Verdean impact in American athletics. Lopes, one of the few Cape Verdean players to reach the big leagues, became a symbol of community pride. He has tried to raise understanding of Cape Verdean culture and history, so that future generations might comprehend the sacrifices made by those who came before them.
In a sport where statistics frequently define legacies, Davey Lopes' true legacy resides in his journey. One marked by courage, determination, and an unwavering will to succeed. He did more than just play the game; he transformed it for future players. And in doing so, he ensured that his name would be remembered not only for stolen bases and titles, but also for setting a good example for everyone who dared to dream.