Dave Parker, a two-time World Series champion, seven-time All-Star, and the 1978 National League MVP, died Saturday at the age of 74 following a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
His passing comes just weeks before he was set to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of 2025 Hall of Fame electee Dave Parker.
“The Cobra” was one of the fiercest hitters of his generation. The two-time batting champion and 1978 NL MVP won two World Series rings, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.
— MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2025
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Parker’s death was confirmed in a statement by the Hall of Fame, which reflected on the legacy of the player widely known as “The Cobra.”
“We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker,” said Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
“His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field. His election to the Hall of Fame in December brought great joy to him, his family and all the fans who marveled at his remarkable abilities. We will honor his incredible life and career at next month’s Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, where his legacy will be remembered forever.”
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Parker made his Major League debut in 1973 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the club where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career.
He later played for the Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays before retiring in 1991.
In 1978, Parker delivered a standout season for Pittsburgh, winning the National League MVP award.
That year, he led the majors with a .334 batting average and posted a .979 OPS along with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs. He also won one of his two National League batting titles during the campaign.
The following season, Parker helped lead the Pirates to a World Series title in 1979 — the franchise’s last championship to date.
He would win his second World Series ring in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics.
Parker also made his mark on the national stage during the 1979 MLB All-Star Game, earning MVP honors.
He recorded a key outfield assist in the ninth inning by throwing out a runner at home plate, helping preserve the tie and showcasing his defensive skills on a national stage.
Over his 19-year career, Parker compiled a .290 batting average, hit 339 home runs, and recorded an .810 on-base plus slugging percentage.
He earned three Gold Glove Awards and was selected to seven All-Star Games.
In 2022, Parker was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class.
He was honored alongside legends Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Honus Wagner, and Bill Mazeroski.
His contributions to the game will be officially recognized next month in Cooperstown, where he will be posthumously inducted by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.
During the Mets-Pirates broadcast on Saturday, Mets broadcaster and former pitcher Ron Darling paid tribute to Parker’s legacy.
“We’re told all the time that the next guy up the block is a five-tool player,” Darling said.
“They usually have 2 1/2 or three tools. This guy, legit, five tools. … He was the coolest guy on the planet. You just wanted to be around him. He had an infectious smile and laugh.”
Gary Cohen and Ron Darling offer a tribute to Dave Parker, who passed away today at the age of 74 pic.twitter.com/4PC2oNnDXY
— SNY (@SNYtv) June 28, 2025
Parker, who spent his later years advocating for Parkinson’s awareness, leaves behind a lasting impact on the game and will be remembered among baseball’s all-time greats when he is honored next month in Cooperstown.
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