Dave Parker, Baseball Hall of Famer and Pirates Legend, Dies at 74

Pittsburgh Pirates icon Dave Parker, known as “The Cobra,” passes away just weeks before his Baseball Hall of Fame induction, leaving a legacy of power, swagger, and resilience.

PITTSBURGH, June 29, 2025 – The baseball world mourns the loss of Dave Parker, the legendary outfielder nicknamed “The Cobra,” who died on Saturday at the age of 74. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced his passing before their game against the New York Mets, holding a moment of silence to honor the two-time World Series champion and 1978 National League MVP. Parker, who battled Parkinson’s disease since his diagnosis in 2012, was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, a bittersweet milestone following his election by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December 2024.

A Storied Career Marked by Excellence

Dave Parker’s 19-year MLB career was defined by his towering presence, both physically and on the field. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 230 pounds, Parker was a formidable left-handed batter known for his powerful arm and electrifying swagger. He spent 11 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he won back-to-back National League batting titles in 1977 (.338) and 1978 (.334), earned the 1978 NL MVP award, and helped lead the Pirates to a World Series championship in 1979 alongside Willie “Pops” Stargell.

Parker’s career statistics are a testament to his dominance: a .290 batting average, 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs. He was a seven-time All-Star, three-time Gold Glove winner, and three-time Silver Slugger recipient. His contributions extended beyond Pittsburgh, as he won another World Series title with the Oakland Athletics in 1989 and played for the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays. Parker’s legacy also includes being one of only five players in MLB history with at least 500 doubles, 300 home runs, 150 stolen bases, and 2,700 hits, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Cobra’s Swagger and Resilience

Nicknamed “The Cobra” for his quick, lethal swing and commanding presence, Parker was as known for his personality as his performance. His agent, Barry Meister, described him as having a magnetic charisma, saying, “The hair on your arms would stand up when he walked into that room.” Parker coined memorable phrases like, “When the leaves turn brown, I’ll be wearing the batting crown,” reflecting his confidence and flair.

Despite his accolades, Parker faced challenges, including public scrutiny during the Pittsburgh drug trials of 1985, which impacted his performance in the early 1980s. He also battled Parkinson’s disease for over a decade, showing remarkable resilience by maintaining an active lifestyle through cycling, golf, and diet, often avoiding medications in favor of natural therapies. Alongside his wife, Kellye Crockett Parker, he founded the Dave Parker 39 Foundation to support Parkinson’s research and awareness.

Tributes Pour In from the Baseball Community

The news of Parker’s death sent shockwaves through the baseball world, with teammates, peers, and fans sharing heartfelt tributes. Former Pirates teammate Bert Blyleven, who played with Parker from 1977 to 1980, wrote, “What a sad [day] as my former teammate and friend, HOF’er Dave Parker, passed away. He fought Parkinson’s for years.” Keith Hernandez, a contemporary, called Parker “the best player of the late ’70s and early ’80s,” while current Pirates player Nick Gonzales, who wears Parker’s No. 39, advocated for the number to be retired.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and MLB issued statements expressing their grief. The Reds, where Parker played from 1984 to 1987 and was inducted into their Hall of Fame, noted his deep connection to Cincinnati, where he grew up attending games at Crosley Field. “Dave was a towering figure on the field, in the clubhouse, and in the Cincinnati community,” the Reds wrote.

A Bittersweet Hall of Fame Induction

Parker’s election to the Baseball Hall of Fame came after years of being overlooked in traditional voting, with his induction set to be a crowning achievement. Reports indicate that Parker, aware of his declining health, prayed to live long enough to attend the ceremony in Cooperstown or hear his son deliver his speech. Tragically, he passed away just weeks before the July 27 induction, adding a poignant note to his legacy. He will be inducted posthumously, a fitting tribute to a career that left an indelible mark on baseball.

Parker’s Personal Life and Legacy

Parker was married to Kellye Crockett Parker for over 35 years and had six children, including Dave Parker II, Danielle Parker, and Dorian Parker. His family, alongside his foundation, continues to carry forward his commitment to fighting Parkinson’s disease. Parker’s impact extended beyond the diamond, as he remained a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, remembered for his generosity and larger-than-life personality.

As the baseball community reflects on Dave Parker’s contributions, his legacy as “The Cobra” endures through his remarkable achievements, infectious charisma, and courageous battle with illness. Fans and players alike will honor his memory during his upcoming Hall of Fame induction, celebrating a true legend of the game.