Dave Parker, Pittsburgh Pirates legend, dies at 74

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker,” the Pirates said in a statement. “A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award and a World Series Championship in 1979. The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022, and will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown next month.”

Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 after a doctor noticed his hand trembling on his leg. His wife, Kelly, continued to care for him after his diagnosis. Parker later attended the 40-year anniversary of the Pirates’ 1979 World Series team in 2019 at PNC Park.

“I almost cried,” Parker said at the time, via MLB.com’s Adam Berry. “That’s something I try not to do, but that brought tears to my eyes.”

Parker was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame this past year by the Classic Baseball Era Committee. He received 87.5% of the vote and was due for induction July 27 along with Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.

“We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker. His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field,” said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement. “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.”