Sports
“45 years in the majors”: Dodgers legend Davey Lopes dies at 80 after iconic career that delivered World Series rings as both player and coach
The four-time All-Star second baseman and Gold Glove winner helped LA beat the Yankees in 1981, then coached Philadelphia to 2008 championship—leaving behind an unmatched legacy on the basepaths
The baseball world is mourning the loss of a true legend. Davey Lopes, one of the greatest second basemen in Los Angeles Dodgers history and a beloved figure across Major League Baseball, died on Wednesday at the age of 80.
The Dodgers announced the passing of their franchise icon, who spent an incredible 45 years in the majors—first as a dynamic player who defied his size to become an offensive force, and later as a respected coach who helped shape championship teams across multiple decades.
“The Dodgers family has lost a true icon,” the organization said in a statement. “Davey’s impact on our franchise and the game of baseball cannot be overstated.”
A Giant at 5-Foot-9
David Earl Lopes may have stood only 5-foot-9 and weighed just 170 pounds, but what he lacked in physical stature, he more than made up for with heart, speed, and an ability to bring serious “oomph to the plate.”
From 1978 to 1981, Lopes was selected to four consecutive All-Star Games, an impressive run that started with a Gold Glove Award in 1978 and culminated in a World Series championship ring in 1981.
That 1981 World Series remains one of the most dramatic in baseball history. The Dodgers found themselves down 2-0 to the mighty New York Yankees before mounting an incredible comeback. Lopes was instrumental in that rally, helping LA win four straight games to claim the championship in six games.
For Dodgers fans who lived through that era, Lopes wasn’t just a player—he was part of a legendary infield alongside Steve Garvey, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey that became the longest-running infield unit in baseball history, playing together from 1973 to 1981.
Power and Speed: A Rare Combination
What made Lopes special was his rare combination of power and speed—attributes not always associated with second basemen, especially ones of his size.
He set a Dodgers record for home runs by a second baseman with 99, a testament to his ability to generate surprising power from his compact frame. This record stood for decades as a benchmark for offensive production at the position.
But it was on the basepaths where Lopes truly terrorized opponents. He was swift, aggressive, and fearless, twice finishing as the National League’s stolen base leader in the 1970s. His baserunning intelligence and speed made him one of the most dangerous players in the league when he reached first base.
Pitchers and catchers dreaded seeing Lopes on base, knowing that at any moment he could take off for second—and more often than not, he’d be safe.
A Journeyman’s Final Years
After the 1981 World Series triumph, Lopes was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he spent 1982-84. He then moved to the Chicago Cubs for 1984-86 before finishing his playing career with the Houston Astros from 1986-87.
While his best years were clearly in Dodger blue, Lopes remained a valuable contributor everywhere he went, bringing veteran leadership and playoff experience to each clubhouse.
The East Providence, Rhode Island native retired with a .263 career batting average, 155 home runs, 614 RBIs, and 557 stolen bases—numbers that tell the story of a complete player who could beat you in multiple ways.
From Player to Coach: A Second Act
Lopes didn’t stay away from the game long. In 1988, just one year after hanging up his cleats, he was hired by the Texas Rangers to join manager Bobby Valentine’s coaching staff.
That decision jump-started a coaching career that would span four decades and see Lopes influence teams across baseball.
The Milwaukee Years: Learning to Manage
Lopes got his opportunity to manage at the highest level when the Milwaukee Brewers hired him in 2000. While the Brewers didn’t record better than a third-place NL Central finish during his two-plus seasons running the clubhouse, the experience proved invaluable.
Managing is one of baseball’s toughest jobs, and Lopes learned the hard way that success requires more than just baseball knowledge—it requires handling personalities, managing media, and dealing with front office pressures.
San Diego and the Return to Coaching
By 2003, Lopes was back doing what he did best: coaching. He joined the San Diego Padres as first-base coach, bringing his baserunning expertise to a new generation of players.
But it was his next stop that would bring him another championship ring.
Philadelphia: A Second World Series Ring
Lopes’ time with the Philadelphia Phillies from 2007-2010 was nothing short of spectacular. Hired as a baserunning advisor, Lopes helped transform the Phillies into one of baseball’s most aggressive teams on the basepaths.
Philadelphia claimed the NL East crown all four years Lopes was there, an incredible run of sustained excellence. The highlight came in 2008 when the Phillies won the World Series, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.
That championship gave Lopes his second World Series ring—this time as a coach, 27 years after his first as a player. It’s a distinction few in baseball history can claim.
Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, and other Phillies stars of that era frequently credited Lopes with instilling the aggressive baserunning mentality that became a hallmark of those championship teams.
Coming Full Circle: Back to LA
From 2011-2015, Lopes returned home to the Dodgers as a coach, bringing his decades of experience back to the organization where he’d made his name as a player.
It was a fitting homecoming for a man who had given so much to the franchise. Dodgers fans who remembered his playing days got to see him on the field again, now mentoring a new generation of players in the same uniform he’d worn with such distinction.
Final Stop: Washington
Lopes concluded his remarkable coaching career with the Washington Nationals from 2016-2017, finally stepping away from the game he’d dedicated nearly five decades to.
By the time he retired from coaching, Lopes had influenced countless players, many of whom went on to have successful careers of their own, carrying forward the lessons he taught them about aggression on the basepaths and never backing down from a challenge.
A Legacy Beyond Statistics
While Lopes’ playing statistics are impressive, his true legacy extends far beyond numbers in a record book.
He was a pioneer who proved that size doesn’t matter if you have heart, speed, and baseball intelligence. He showed that a 5-foot-9 player could excel at the highest level, inspiring countless smaller players who followed in his footsteps.
As a coach, he was a mentor, teacher, and friend to dozens of players across multiple organizations. His baserunning expertise was legendary, and his willingness to share his knowledge made him invaluable to every team he served.
Tributes Pour In
Following news of Lopes’ death, tributes poured in from across the baseball world.
Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who was at the helm during the 2008 championship, called Lopes “one of the best baseball minds I ever worked with.”
“Davey understood the game at a level few people do,” Manuel said. “He made everyone around him better.”
The Baseball Hall of Fame shared highlights from Lopes’ career, reminding fans of his electrifying style of play and the joy he brought to the game.
45 Years of Excellence
Forty-five years in the majors as a player and coach. Two World Series rings. Four All-Star selections. A Gold Glove. 557 stolen bases. Countless players mentored and lives touched.
That’s the legacy of Davey Lopes.
He wasn’t the biggest player on the field. He wasn’t the most celebrated. But he was one of the most impactful, proving time and again that determination, intelligence, and heart can overcome any physical limitation.
A Final Standing Ovation
Baseball has lost one of its great ambassadors. The Dodgers have lost an icon. And fans across the country have lost a player and coach who represented everything good about the game.
Rest in peace, Davey Lopes. Thank you for 45 years of excellence, for showing that size doesn’t define success, and for proving that a kid from East Providence, Rhode Island could become a legend in Los Angeles and beyond.
The standing ovation you deserved began Wednesday—and it will echo through baseball history forever.
Sports
Australia held Brazil to a draw after Nestory Irankunda’s stunning free kick — then Rayan struck at the very end…
The Socceroos were seconds away from a memorable victory over five-time world champions Brazil before Rayan’s stoppage-time header rescued a 1-1 draw in Townsville.
For almost the entire night, Australia looked ready to pull off one of the biggest results in recent Socceroos history.
Then, right at the death, Brazil found a way through.
The Socceroos were held to a 1-1 draw by Brazil in Townsville after a dramatic finish saw Rayan score a stoppage-time equaliser, cancelling out a spectacular goal from Nestory Irankunda. The result was particularly painful for Australia after the home side had defended its lead deep into added time.
Still, the performance offered plenty for Australia to take forward.
Irankunda produces another moment of magic
The game was heading towards a tense final stretch when Nestory Irankunda delivered the moment Australian fans had been waiting for.
The young forward produced a spectacular free kick to put the Socceroos ahead and gave the home crowd genuine belief that Brazil could be beaten.
Irankunda has become one of the most exciting young attacking players associated with Australian football. His pace, confidence and ability to strike the ball from distance have made him a player capable of changing a match with a single moment.
Against Brazil, he produced exactly that kind of moment.
For Australia, the goal looked as though it might be enough to secure a famous victory.
Brazil refuse to go quietly
Five-time world champions Brazil were never going to accept defeat without a fight.
The visitors pushed forward as Australia dropped deeper, searching for one final opening. The Socceroos managed to withstand the pressure for much of the closing period, but the decisive moment arrived in stoppage time.
Rayan rose to meet a pinpoint delivery and powered his header beyond the Australian defence, sending the ball into the net in the final moments of the match.
It was almost the last meaningful action of the contest.
For Australia, it was a brutal way to lose the chance of a famous win. For Brazil, it was a dramatic escape.
Irvine sees the bigger picture
Australian midfielder and captain Jackson Irvine was clearly disappointed by the late equaliser, but his reaction after the game reflected how much the Socceroos could still take from the performance.
Australia competed against one of international football’s most decorated nations and showed enough composure to lead for much of the second half.
Irvine also highlighted the atmosphere around the match and the support from the Australian crowd, underlining how significant the occasion was for a team facing one of the biggest names in world football.
A draw that felt like a defeat
On paper, a draw against Brazil is a result Australia can take plenty of confidence from.
But football is rarely played on paper.
The Socceroos were within seconds of beating one of the most decorated national teams in the sport. Instead, they had to settle for a point after Rayan’s late header.
That frustration was visible at the final whistle.
Yet the bigger picture remains encouraging. Australia showed it could stay organised, compete physically and create problems against a Brazil side packed with elite-level talent.
For Nestory Irankunda, meanwhile, the night provided another reminder of his growing importance to Australia’s next generation.
His spectacular free kick deserved to be the winning goal.
Instead, Brazil had the final word.
Another chance is coming
The story is not finished yet.
Australia and Brazil are scheduled to meet again in Brisbane, giving the Socceroos another opportunity to test themselves against the five-time world champions.
For Australia, the challenge will be turning the promise of this performance into another strong showing.
For Irankunda, another big stage awaits.
His spectacular goal may ultimately have been overshadowed by Brazil’s last-gasp equaliser, but the young attacker once again showed why he is becoming one of the most exciting faces of Australian football.
The Socceroos wanted a historic win.
They came painfully close.
Then, with almost the final kick of the night, Brazil changed the story.
Sports
Packers booed at Lambeau after Falcons blowout: Green Bay’s home opener turns into a nightmare…
Green Bay’s 35-14 loss to Atlanta exposed major problems on both sides of the ball, with injuries, penalties and a struggling rushing attack leaving the Packers facing serious questions early in the season.
The atmosphere at Lambeau Field was supposed to be one of celebration. Instead, the home opener turned into a long night for the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers were beaten 35-14 by the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night, suffering a defeat that was far more one-sided than the final score might suggest.
Green Bay entered the game already dealing with major absences. Josh Jacobs was unavailable, while star defensive player Micah Parsons continued to recover from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 season.
But few expected the Packers to struggle this badly against an Atlanta Falcons team that had entered the game without a win.
By the second half, sections of the Lambeau crowd were booing the Packers as Atlanta took complete control.
Jordan Love under pressure all night
Jordan Love spent much of the evening under pressure as Green Bay’s makeshift offensive line struggled to protect him.
The Packers were missing two starters up front. Left guard Aaron Banks was sidelined after suffering a toe injury in the previous week’s overtime victory over the New York Jets, while right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele suffered a season-ending patellar tendon injury in that game.
Bako-Bewele’s absence is particularly significant for Green Bay. The offensive lineman had established himself as one of the team’s most important blockers when healthy.
Without that stability, the Packers struggled to create running lanes or give Love enough time to consistently operate the passing game.
Atlanta completely dominated the ground game
If there was one statistic that summed up Green Bay’s night, it was the rushing yardage.
The Falcons ran for 242 yards, while the Packers managed just 17 rushing yards.
Atlanta averaged 5.9 yards per carry, turning what had been one of Green Bay’s defensive strengths into a major weakness.
The star of the night was Bijan Robinson, who exploded for 194 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Just one week earlier, Green Bay’s defense had been allowing only 2.9 yards per carry, one of the best figures in the NFL. Against Atlanta, that resistance disappeared.
Packers’ replacement running backs couldn’t find space
With Jacobs unavailable, Green Bay needed MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson to carry more of the workload.
Instead, both struggled to make an impact.
Lloyd received four carries for just 11 yards, while Johnson also had four carries but gained only six yards.
That gave the Packers almost no rushing threat, allowing Atlanta’s defense to focus heavily on the passing game.
For head coach Matt LaFleur, finding a way to generate production from the ground game now becomes one of the team’s most urgent challenges.
Penalties continue to hurt Green Bay
The Packers also brought another familiar problem into Thursday night’s game: discipline.
Green Bay had already committed an NFL-high 26 penalties through its first two games.
One of the most damaging moments against Atlanta came when Brenton Cox Jr. was called for roughing the passer on a third-down incompletion.
Instead of forcing Atlanta to punt, Green Bay gave the Falcons another chance.
Atlanta capitalised, scoring a touchdown to tie the game and shifting the momentum firmly in its favour.
Those mistakes are particularly costly for a team already struggling with injuries and offensive inconsistency.
Another difficult chapter for the Packers
The defeat leaves Green Bay at 1-2, and the timing could hardly be worse.
The Packers had made the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, but the previous campaign ended with five straight losses, including a wild-card defeat to the Chicago Bears after Green Bay had built a 21-3 lead.
Despite that disappointing finish, team president and CEO Ed Policy had backed LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst with contract extensions.
Thursday’s performance will inevitably increase the pressure surrounding those decisions.
It is still early in the season, but Green Bay now has several problems to solve simultaneously.
Injuries are making an already difficult situation worse
The absence of Parsons remains a major issue for the Packers’ defense.
The star defender is still recovering from the ACL injury that ended his 2025 All-Pro season and is expected to miss at least one more game.
Jacobs’ situation is different. He was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list after pleading no contest to misdemeanor battery and criminal-damage charges related to a May altercation with his then-girlfriend.
With key players unavailable and offensive-line injuries piling up, Green Bay has little margin for error.
What happens next for Green Bay?
The Packers are not out of the season after three games, but Thursday night’s performance exposed problems that cannot simply be ignored.
The rushing attack needs an answer. The offensive line needs to stabilise. The defense must rediscover the form it showed during the opening weeks, and the team’s penalty problems have to stop turning manageable situations into scoring opportunities for opponents.
Most importantly, Green Bay needs to protect Jordan Love and give its quarterback a functioning ground game around him.
The Packers have plenty of time to recover, but after being thoroughly outplayed at their own stadium by a previously winless Atlanta team, the message from Lambeau was unmistakable.
Sports
Seahawks survive quarterback scare to beat Patriots 13-10: Drake Maye throws three picks in a dramatic fourth quarter…
The defending champion Seattle Seahawks overcame an early injury to quarterback Sam Darnold and a 10-point deficit as their defence produced three crucial fourth-quarter interceptions against Drake Maye.
The Seattle Seahawks opened their title defence with a reminder that championship teams do not always need perfect performances to find a way to win.
In a tense opening-night clash against the New England Patriots, Seattle recovered from an early 10-0 deficit and the loss of starting quarterback Sam Darnold to secure a gritty 13-10 victory.
The game quickly turned into a test of resilience for the defending champions. Seattle’s offence struggled for long stretches, but a determined defensive performance and a late game-winning field goal ensured the Seahawks began the 2026 regular season with a victory.
And for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, the final quarter became one he will want to forget.
Sam Darnold exits early as Seahawks face immediate adversity
Seattle’s night took an unexpected turn almost immediately when starting quarterback Sam Darnold was forced out after the team’s first offensive series.
The Seahawks suddenly had to turn to backup quarterback Drew Lock, putting additional pressure on an offence that was already struggling to find rhythm.
For much of the first half, Seattle could not generate consistent momentum. The Seahawks either punted or saw the half end on each of their first six possessions, allowing New England to build a 10-0 advantage.
But the defending champions refused to panic.
Drew Lock finds Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Seattle fights back
The breakthrough finally came in the second half.
Backup quarterback Drew Lock connected with reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a touchdown that brought the Seahawks back into the contest.
Smith-Njigba was the clear standout for Seattle’s offence, finishing the game with eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown.
His contribution was particularly important considering how quiet the rest of Seattle’s receiving group was. The remaining Seahawks pass catchers combined for just nine receptions and 78 yards.
Rookie running back Jadarian Price also provided useful support on the ground, rushing for 52 yards on 10 carries.
Seattle finished with only 285 total offensive yards, but on a difficult night, efficiency in the biggest moments proved more valuable than spectacular numbers.
Jason Myers delivers the decisive kick
With the game hanging in the balance, veteran kicker Jason Myers delivered when Seattle needed him most.
Myers converted two field goals during the contest, including the decisive kick with 5:50 remaining, giving the Seahawks the lead they would ultimately protect.
From that point, the pressure shifted completely onto the Patriots and their young quarterback.
And Seattle’s defence took over.
Three fourth-quarter interceptions change everything
The Patriots still had opportunities to win the game, but Drake Maye endured a disastrous fourth quarter.
Seattle intercepted him on three consecutive possessions, completely changing the complexion of the closing stages.
The final turnover was the most dramatic.
With New England threatening to produce a late winning drive, Josh Jobe intercepted Maye in the end zone with just 21 seconds remaining.
That play effectively sealed the victory and sent Seattle into Week 2 with a hard-earned win.
The Seahawks’ defensive statistics told the story of the night: three interceptions, three sacks, nine tackles for loss and six pass breakups.
It was a championship-level response from a defence that repeatedly stepped up when the game was on the line.
Seattle’s defence makes an early statement
The Seahawks may not have produced their most impressive offensive performance, but their defence showed why the team remains one of the sides to watch this season.
Holding the New England Patriots to 277 total yards while forcing three crucial turnovers in the final quarter was no small achievement.
More importantly, Seattle demonstrated that it can survive adversity.
Losing a starting quarterback early in the game could have easily derailed the defending champions’ opening night. Instead, the Seahawks relied on their backup quarterback, their star receiver, their kicker and, above all, their defence.
That combination was enough.
What comes next for the Seahawks?
The victory gives the Seattle Seahawks an early advantage as they begin another campaign with championship expectations.
Seattle will next face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, where the team will hope for more clarity regarding the condition of Sam Darnold.
For now, though, the defending champions have made their first statement of the season.
It was not pretty. It was not easy.
But when the fourth quarter demanded big plays, Seattle’s defence delivered three of them.
And that was enough to turn a difficult opening night into a 13-10 victory.
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