Hall of Fame Outfielder Dave Parker Passes Away at 74
Dave Parker, known as 'the Cobra,' died at 74 after a battle with Parkinson's disease, leaving behind a legacy as a two-time World Series champion and NL MVP.
Overview
- Dave Parker, a Hall of Fame outfielder, passed away at 74 due to complications from Parkinson's disease, diagnosed in 2012.
- Parker was a two-time NL batting champion, winning titles in 1977 and 1978, and earned NL MVP honors in 1978.
- He won two World Series championships, one with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 and another with the Oakland Athletics in 1989.
- Over his 19-season career, Parker was named to seven MLB All-Star teams and achieved a .290 batting average with 339 home runs.
- The Pittsburgh Pirates honored Parker with a moment of silence before their game against the New York Mets following his passing.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Dave Parker's death as a significant loss to baseball, emphasizing his achievements and legacy. They express a sense of mourning, highlighting the timing of his passing just before his Hall of Fame induction. Implicitly, they convey respect for his contributions and the impact on fans and the sport.
Dave Parker, a former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder, died at the age of 74 after battling Parkinson's disease, just one month before his scheduled induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced his death and held a moment of silence before their game against the New York Mets.
Parker was elected to the Hall of Fame by a special committee in December.
Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012.
He was 74 years old.
The induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, is scheduled for July 27.
He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 11 seasons before signing with the Cincinnati Reds for four seasons.
He was a two-time World Series champion, a seven-time MLB All-Star, and the 1978 NL MVP.
Nicknamed 'The Cobra,' Parker played 19 seasons in the major leagues, with 11 of those seasons being with the Pirates.
Parker won NL batting titles in 1977 and 1978.
He ended his career with a .290 batting average, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs.
He played for multiple teams including Cincinnati, Milwaukee, California Angels, Toronto, and had stints with the Reds and Athletics.
He was a highly accomplished right fielder with seven All-Star appearances, three Gold Glove awards, and impressive career statistics.
Parker will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame next month.
Articles (9)
Center (6)
"…Parker's family chooses to remember the good times: the healthy Parker, the vibrant Parker, and, oh, the hysterical Parker."
USA TODAY·3d·"…Parker's impact on the game and this franchise will never be forgotten."
NBC News·3d·"…The passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker has left an even bigger void with all who knew him."
CBS News·3d·"…Parker's body of work was recognized by the Hall of Fame, setting the stage for an emotional celebration of life and career next month in Cooperstown."
USA TODAY·3d·"…Parker was elected to the Hall of Fame by a special committee in December."
Chicago Tribune·3d·"…Dave Parker, a hard-hitting outfielder who was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month, has died, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced Saturday."
Associated Press·3d·FAQ
Dave Parker was a seven-time MLB All-Star, two-time National League batting champion (1977, 1978), and the 1978 National League MVP. He won two World Series titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 and the Oakland Athletics in 1989. Over his 19-season career, he compiled 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, 1,493 RBIs, and a lifetime batting average of .290. He also won three Gold Glove Awards for his defensive prowess and was known for his strong throwing arm as an outfielder.
Dave Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012. He battled the disease for over a decade before passing away at age 74 due to related complications.
The Pittsburgh Pirates honored Dave Parker with a moment of silence before their game against the New York Mets following his passing.
Dave Parker grew up in Cincinnati, near Crosley Field, where he learned to play baseball in the stadium's parking lots. He attended Courter Tech High School and was a standout tailback in football until a knee injury ended that pursuit. He was also a notable baseball player in high school, hitting a memorable home run at Western Hills High School, the alma mater of Pete Rose.
Dave Parker was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025, the same year he passed away.
History
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