Dave Parker, a formidable outfielder and soon-to-be Hall of Famer, passed away last month at the age of 74, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Saturday. Details surrounding his death have not been disclosed. The Pirates honored him with a moment of silence before their game against the New York Mets.
Standing 6-foot-5 and nicknamed “The Cobra,” Parker debuted in Major League Baseball in 1973 and spent 11 seasons with the Pirates. He earned the NL MVP title in 1978 and won the World Series with Pittsburgh in 1979 and again in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics. Parker claimed the National League batting titles in both 1977 and 1978. Over his career, he maintained a .290 batting average, hit 339 home runs, and drove in 1,493 RBIs. He also played for the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.
In December, Parker was chosen for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame by a special committee, with the ceremony scheduled for July 27th in Cooperstown, New York. Born on June 9, 1951, in Grenada, Mississippi, Parker grew up in Cincinnati and excelled in three sports at Coaster Tech High School.
After a decade with Pittsburgh, Parker joined his hometown Reds from 1983 to 1987, leading the NL in RBIs in 1985 and finishing second in MVP voting that year. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. When he learned of his Hall of Fame selection, Parker emotionally admitted to shedding tears.
He played a crucial role in the Oakland Athletics’ 1989 World Series win, contributing to the success of stars like Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire in their four-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants. Parker was a seven-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner as a right fielder. Proud of his all-around skills, he described himself as a “five-tool player,” known for his hard work and determination on every play.
Fan Take: Dave Parker’s passing marks the loss of one of baseball’s most dynamic and passionate players, whose legacy continues to inspire. His upcoming Hall of Fame induction is a poignant reminder of his extraordinary impact on the game and the enduring spirit that defines baseball.
