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| Hall of Famer Dave Parker, Legendary Outfielder Known as ‘The Cobra,’ Dies at 74 |
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Dave Parker, the powerful outfielder famously nicknamed “The Cobra,” has died at the age of 74, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced Saturday. Parker, who was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month, passed away with no immediate details released regarding his death.
The Pirates shared news of his passing with fans just before their game against the New York Mets, honoring him with a moment of silence.
Standing 6-foot-5, Parker made his MLB debut in 1973 and enjoyed a 19-year career, including 11 seasons with the Pirates. He was named the National League MVP in 1978, won back-to-back NL batting titles in 1977 and 1978, and helped lead Pittsburgh to a World Series title in 1979. He later secured a second championship in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics.
“All of us who grew up in the ’70s remember how special Dave was,” said Pirates owner Bob Nutting. “His big personality matched his big presence on the field. His loss leaves a tremendous void. Our thoughts are with his wife, Kellye, and his family.”
Parker finished his career with a .290 batting average, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs. Alongside the Pirates and Athletics, he also played for the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Parker’s long-awaited Hall of Fame induction was announced in December by a special committee. The ceremony is scheduled for July 27 in Cooperstown, New York.
“Dave Parker’s legacy is one of excellence, leadership, and resilience,” said Hall of Fame chairperson Jane Forbes Clark. “His election brought immense joy to his family and fans who admired his remarkable talents.”
Born on June 9, 1951, in Grenada, Mississippi, Parker was raised in Cincinnati, where he excelled in multiple sports at Courter Tech High School. After a decade with the Pirates, he signed with his hometown Reds, leading the National League with 125 RBIs in 1985 and finishing second in MVP voting that year.
“Dave was a giant — not just in stature but in impact,” said Hall of Famer and former Reds teammate Barry Larkin. “At a time when few players had his combination of size, skill, and power, he stood out in every way.”
The Reds also paid tribute, stating: “Dave Parker was a towering figure on the field and in the Cincinnati community. His influence on the game and our franchise will always be remembered.”
In 2012, Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite his health challenges, the news of his Hall of Fame induction moved him deeply.
“Yeah, I cried,” Parker admitted at the time. “It only took a few minutes, because I don’t cry.”
Parker was a key part of Oakland’s 1989 World Series sweep over San Francisco, hitting a home run in Game 1 and mentoring stars like Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire.
“All of us in baseball are deeply saddened by this loss,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “Dave Parker, ‘The Cobra,’ will forever be remembered as one of the game’s legends.”
Pittsburgh Pirates veteran and former MVP Andrew McCutchen also reflected on Parker’s legacy. “He must have seemed like Superman to fans when he played,” McCutchen said. “He was larger than life — both on the field and off.”
A seven-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, Parker was one of only five players in MLB history at the time of his retirement to record at least 500 doubles, 300 home runs, 150 stolen bases, and 2,700 hits.
“I was a five-tool player,” Parker once said. “I could do it all. I never jogged to first base — I ran hard every play.”
