The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed on Saturday the passing of hard-hitting outfielder Dave Parker, who was scheduled to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month. He was seventy-four.
At this time, no other information regarding Parker’s passing was released. Shortly before their game against the New York Mets began, the Pirates conducted a moment of silence and told the spectators of his passing.
Known by the nickname “Cobra,” the 6-foot-5 Parker played for the Pirates for 11 of his 19 seasons in the major leagues after making his debut in 1973. In addition to winning a World Series with Pittsburgh the following year and winning another championship with the Oakland Athletics in 1989, he was named the National League MVP in 1978.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting said in a statement that “all of us who grew up in the ’70s remember how special Dave was.” His demise has left a greater vacuum for everyone who knew him because of his large personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his wife, Kellye.
Parker was the 1977 and 1978 NL hitting champion. He had 339 home runs, 1,493 RBIs, and a.290 batting average by the end of his career. In addition, he played for Toronto, the California Angels, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati.
In December, a special committee chose Parker to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. On July 27, the induction ceremony will take place in Cooperstown, New York.
We pay tribute to Dave Parker alongside the baseball family. According to Hall chairman Jane Forbes Clark, his legacy will be one of bravery and leadership, equaled only by his remarkable on-field achievements. He, his family, and all the admirers who were in awe of his extraordinary skills were thrilled when he was elected to the Hall of Fame in December.
Parker, who was raised in Cincinnati and excelled in three sports at Courter Tech High School, was born in Grenada, Mississippi, on June 9, 1951.
He joined with his hometown Reds and played for them for four seasons after playing for Pittsburgh from 1973 to 1983. He finished second in the MVP vote and led the NL with 125 RBIs in 1985.
Hall of Famer and Reds teammate Barry Larkin remarked, “He was such a big dude at a time when there weren’t that many 6-foot-5, 230-pound, dynamic defender, batting champion with power guys.” He was amazing in every way.
“On the field, in the clubhouse, and in the Cincinnati community, where his baseball journey started, Dave was a towering figure. He played on the fields close to his home and attended games at Crosley Field,” the Reds said in a statement. We will always remember Dave’s influence on the game and this franchise.
In 2012, Parker received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
He informed reporters that when he found out he was being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he started crying.
Yes, after hearing the news, Parker admitted, “I cried.” I don’t cry, so it only took a few minutes.
Parker took credit for helping the Bash Brothers of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire win the 1989 World Series with a four-game sweep of San Francisco, and he homered for the A’s in the series’ opening game.
“This loss is very sad for all of us throughout the game,” baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. Since the Cobra’s name will soon formally become part of the myths surrounding our national pastime, we will always remember him.
When Parker retired following the 1991 season, he was one of just five players with at least 500 doubles, 300 home runs, 150 stolen bases, and 2,700 hits. He was a three-time Gold Glove right fielder and a seven-time All-Star.
I played with five tools. Following his Hall selection, Parker remarked, “I could do them all.” I never went to first base at a trot. I’m not sure if anyone noticed, but I gave every play my all.
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