Dave Parker, a legendary figure in baseball as a two-time World Series champion and two-time batting champion known as the Cobra, passed away on Saturday after a long fight against Parkinson’s disease. His death came just one month before he was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Parker, who was 74 years old, was a formidable left-handed hitter on two championship teams, the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1989 Oakland Athletics. He recorded 339 home runs and won National League batting titles in 1977 and 1978. Despite never receiving more than 24.5% support in Hall of Fame voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, he was elected alongside Dick Allen by the Classic Baseball Era Committee last December. Parker had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 2013, and while he won’t be present for his induction into the Hall of Fame, he was able to celebrate his election last year. Parker’s impact was so significant that he is a member of both the Pirates’ and Cincinnati Reds’ halls of fame. Known for his outstanding performances during the postseason, he played a pivotal role in the Pirates’ 1979 World Series win and later added another championship with the Oakland A’s in 1989. The baseball community mourns the loss of a true legend in Dave Parker.
Dave Parker used his experience to guide young players and help them steer clear of the mistakes he had made earlier in his career. “The thing that stuck with me the most was that he didn’t want me to make the same off-field errors he did,” Eric Davis, the Cincinnati Reds’ All-Star outfielder and former teammate of Parker, shared in a documentary.
Despite this, Parker was a pioneer in various aspects. He became only the second baseball player to earn over $1 million per season when he signed a lucrative five-year, $5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. His distinctive style epitomized the late ’70s culture superbly.
Following the end of his contract, Parker returned to his hometown of Cincinnati and endeared himself to fans as a cherished member of the Reds, as the team struggled to replicate the success of the Big Red Machine era led by another local legend, Pete Rose. Eventually, Parker’s remarkable career was acknowledged by the Baseball Hall of Fame, leading to a forthcoming emotional tribute to his life and achievements in Cooperstown.
“We stand with the baseball community in honoring the memory of Dave Parker. His legacy reflects bravery and guidance, combined with his exceptional on-field performances,” stated Jane Forbes Clark, chair of the Baseball Hall of Fame. “His induction into the Hall of Fame in December brought immense happiness to him, his loved ones, and all the admirers of his incredible talent.
“We will commemorate his extraordinary life and career at the upcoming induction ceremony in Cooperstown, ensuring his legacy lives on forever.”
