PITTSBURGH (AP) - Dave Parker, the renowned outfielder affectionately known as "The Cobra," has passed away at the age of 74, as announced by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday. Parker was scheduled to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month, following a significant career in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The details surrounding Parker's death have not been disclosed. The Pirates conveyed this unfortunate news to the audience just prior to their game against the New York Mets, honoring Parker with a moment of silence.
Parker made his MLB debut in 1973 and enjoyed a remarkable 19-season career, 11 of which he spent with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Notably, he was named the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1978, played a crucial role in leading the Pirates to a World Series championship in 1979, and gained another title in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics.
Reflecting on Parker's impact, Pirates owner Bob Nutting remarked, "All of us who grew up in the ’70s remember how special Dave was. He had a big personality, and his passing has left a bigger void for all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Kellye, and his family." Parker's impressive statistics include two NL batting titles in 1977 and 1978, culminating in a career batting average of .290 with 339 home runs and 1,493 RBIs. He also had stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.
In December, Parker was elected to the Hall of Fame by a special committee. The induction ceremony is due to take place in Cooperstown, New York, on July 27. Hall chairman Jane Forbes Clark reflected on Parker's legacy, stating, "We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker. His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field." She emphasized the joy Parker felt upon learning about his Hall of Fame selection, stating it brought great happiness to him, his family, and his fans.
Born on June 9, 1951, in Grenada, Mississippi, Parker grew up in Cincinnati, where he excelled in multiple sports at Courter Tech High School. After his tenure with the Pirates from 1973 to 1983, Parker returned to his hometown Reds, where he led the NL with 125 RBIs in 1985 and finished second in the MVP voting that year.
Barry Larkin, a fellow Hall of Famer and Reds teammate, noted Parker's unique physical presence during his playing days: "He was such a big dude at a time when there weren’t that many 6-foot-5, 230-pound, dynamic defenders and batting champions with power." The Cincinnati Reds also released a statement honoring Parker's contributions, describing him as a towering figure both on the field and in the local community.
Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012, a condition that he faced with courage throughout the remainder of his life. Upon learning of his Hall of Fame selection, Parker admitted to reporters that he was moved to tears, stating, "Yeah, I cried. It only took a few minutes, because I don’t cry." During his time with the Athletics, he made memorable contributions, including a home run in the first game of the 1989 World Series, helping to secure a championship for the team.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed condolences on Parker's passing, stating, "All of us throughout the game are deeply saddened by this loss. We will remember the Cobra forever, especially as his name soon officially joins the legends of our national pastime." Andrew McCutchen, a veteran player and 2013 NL MVP, paid tribute to Parker, describing him as a legendary figure on the field and in the lives of those who admired him.
Parker was named a seven-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove Award winner during his illustrious career. Upon retirement in 1991, he ranked among only five players in MLB history who achieved at least 500 doubles, 300 home runs, 150 stolen bases, and 2,700 hits. Parker famously remarked about his status as a five-tool player, asserting, "I never trotted to first base. I don’t know if people noticed that, but I ran hard on every play."
