1971–1987 · 3B

Ron Cey

5' 10", 185 lbs·Lived to 78·Bats R / Throws R

All-Star

The Almanac's Take

The Penguin was built for October. Ron Cey's squat, 5-foot-9 frame and deliberate gait earned him one of baseball's most fitting nicknames, but his postseason heroics made him unforgettable. He hit .281 with seven home runs across four World Series appearances, including the game-winning blast in Game 6 of the 1981 Series that helped deliver the Dodgers their first championship since 1965.

Cey's 316 career homers might seem modest by today's standards, but he was a cornerstone of the most dominant infield in National League history. Playing alongside Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, and Bill Russell, he anchored third base for eight straight seasons from 1973-1980. His 1976 campaign showcased his peak power, driving in 80 runs while posting a career-high .848 OPS.

The six-time All-Star represented the steady excellence that defined those great Dodger teams. His 106 career OPS+ over 17 seasons reflected consistent above-average production from a premium defensive position during baseball's second deadball era.

Career Highs

.891

Best OPS · 1986

Most HR · 1977

110

Most RBI · 1977

.288

Best AVG · 1981

Career Arc · OPS

16 seasons

Statistical Comps

Spencer Horwitz

99%

2024 season

ISO .168 · K% 18.4 · BB% 11.0 · HR% 3.2

Isaac Paredes

99%

2025 season

ISO .204 · K% 17.4 · BB% 11.4 · HR% 4.6

Josh Bell

99%

2025 season

ISO .179 · K% 16.5 · BB% 10.7 · HR% 4.1

Career · Batting

17 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1971	LAD	2	2	0	0	.000	.000	0
1972	LAD	11	37	1	3	.270	.778	117
1973	LAD	152	507	15	80	.245	.723	103
1974	LAD	159	577	18	97	.262	.746	108
1975	LAD	158	566	25	101	.283	.845	120
1976	LAD	145	502	23	80	.277	.848	125
1977	LAD	153	564	30	110	.241	.797	109
1978	LAD	159	555	23	84	.270	.833	119
1979	LAD	150	487	28	81	.281	.888	122
1980	LAD	157	551	28	77	.254	.794	111
1981	LAD	85	312	13	50	.288	.846	123
1982	LAD	150	556	24	79	.254	.751	105
1983	CHC	159	581	24	90	.275	.805	113
1984	CHC	146	505	25	97	.240	.766	108
1985	CHC	145	500	22	63	.232	.724	101
1986	CHC	97	256	13	36	.273	.891	124
1987	ATH	45	104	4	11	.221	.754	101
Career		2073	7162	316	1139	.261	—	—

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