### Remembering Dave Parker: A Baseball Legend's Legacy Dave Parker, a celebrated Hall of Famer and two-time World Series champion, passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 74. Known affectionately as "The Cobra," Parker was a formidable presence in Major League Baseball (MLB), particularly during his 19-year career, which included significant tenures with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds. His death comes just weeks before his scheduled induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the sport. The Pittsburgh Pirates announced his passing, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow athletes alike, as they remember his impactful legacy in baseball history [https://www.abc27.com/sports/pittsburgh-pirates/ap-dave-parker-hard-hitting-outfielder-nicknamed-the-cobra-dies-at-74]. ### Overview of Dave Parker's Life and Career 1. **Career Highlights**: - Parker was a seven-time All-Star and won the National League MVP award in 1978. - He played for six teams, most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he became a star after succeeding Roberto Clemente in right field. - His career statistics include a .290 batting average, 339 home runs, and 2,712 hits [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/hall_of_famer_dave_parker_dies_at_74/s1_13237_42388890]. 2. **Health Struggles**: - Parker had been battling Parkinson's disease for several years, which he openly discussed following his retirement from baseball [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/baseball_hall_of_famer_dave_parker_dies_at_74/s1_127_42389041]. - His health issues were a significant part of his later life, impacting his public appearances and engagements [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/hall_of_famer_dave_parker_dies_at_74/s1_13237_42388890]. 3. **Community and Team Reactions**: - The Pittsburgh Pirates and the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers expressed their condolences, highlighting the deep connections Parker had within the sports community [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/steelers-news-pittsburgh-sends-message-pirates-dave-parker-death]. - Social media was flooded with tributes from fans and fellow players, reflecting on his impact both on and off the field [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/dave-parker-dies-74-social-205845211.html]. ### Key Statistics and Achievements - **Career Overview**: - **Batting Average**: .290 - **Home Runs**: 339 - **Hits**: 2,712 - **All-Star Selections**: 7 - **MVP Award**: 1978 - **World Series Championships**: 2 (1979 with the Pirates, 1989 with the Athletics) [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45604595/dave-parker-pirates-hall-famer-7-all-star-dies]. ### Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy **Dave Parker's passing marks the end of an era for baseball fans and the sports community.** His contributions to the game, characterized by his powerful hitting and defensive prowess, will be remembered for generations. As the baseball world mourns his loss, Parker's legacy as "The Cobra" will continue to inspire future athletes. 1. Parker's career achievements solidify his status as one of baseball's greats. 2. His health struggles remind us of the personal battles many athletes face post-retirement. 3. The widespread tributes reflect the profound impact he had on his community and the sport [https://www.usnews.com/news/sports/articles/2025-06-28/dave-parker-hard-hitting-outfielder-nicknamed-the-cobra-dies-at-74].