### MLB Legend Dave Parker Passes Away Just Before Hall of Fame Induction Dave Parker, a celebrated figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), has died at the age of 74, just weeks before his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Known for his powerful hitting and charismatic presence on the field, Parker was a two-time World Series champion and a seven-time All-Star. He had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2012, which ultimately contributed to his passing on June 28, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Pittsburgh Pirates, the team with which he is most famously associated, confirmed his death via social media, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow players alike [https://www.sanjuandailystar.com/post/dave-parker-power-hitter-for-the-pittsburgh-pirates-dies-at-74][https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-buzz/who-was-dave-the-cobra-parker-pittsburgh-pirates-hall-famer-outfielder-passes-away-article-152174839]. ### Overview of Dave Parker's Career and Legacy 1. **Career Highlights**: - Parker played 19 seasons in MLB, primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he won two National League batting titles and the 1978 MVP award. - He was a key player in the Pirates' 1979 World Series victory and was known for his exceptional batting skills, finishing his career with a .290 batting average, 339 home runs, and 2,712 hits [https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-baseball-news-alex-rodriguez-other-mlb-giants-bid-adieu-after-the-cobra-dave-parkers-sad-passing-ahead-of-hof-induction][https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/hall_of_famer_dave_parker_dies_at_74/s1_13237_42388890]. 2. **Recognition and Awards**: - Parker was a seven-time All-Star and won three Gold Glove awards, showcasing his prowess both at the plate and in the field. - He was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2025, a recognition that came after a long wait, as he was elected by the Era Committee in late 2024 [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/arena-nfl/si-pittsburgh-steelers-nfl/d4f87917/steelers-send-message-after-death-of-mlb-legend][https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/28/sports/dave-parker-baseball-hall-of-famer-and-mvp-winner-dead-at-74]. 3. **Impact on the Community**: - Parker's death has resonated deeply within the baseball community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, Hall of Famers, and fans, all recognizing his contributions to the sport and his larger-than-life persona [https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/dave-parkers-teammates-hall-of-famers-current-pirates-react-to-his-death-one-of-the-greatest-to-ever-do-it-022319782.html][https://www.abc27.com/sports/pittsburgh-pirates/ap-dave-parker-hard-hitting-outfielder-nicknamed-the-cobra-dies-at-74]. ### Supporting Evidence of Parker's Legacy - **Career Statistics**: - **Batting Average**: .290 - **Home Runs**: 339 - **Hits**: 2,712 - **All-Star Selections**: 7 - **Gold Gloves**: 3 - **MVP Award**: 1978 [https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45604595/dave-parker-pirates-hall-famer-7-all-star-dies][https://www.blackenterprise.com/pirates-dave-parker-dies-74-parkinsons]. - **Tributes and Reactions**: - The Pittsburgh Pirates and the broader MLB community have expressed their condolences, highlighting Parker's influence and legacy in baseball [https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates/pirates-news-pittsburgh-hall-of-famer-mvp-passes-before-cooperstown-induction][https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/pittsburgh-pirates-legend-hall-famer-dave-parker-dies-74/3A2DIXM4GZGWFMWCMLVYWFMNU4]. ### Conclusion: A Lasting Impact on Baseball **Dave Parker's legacy as "The Cobra" will endure in the annals of baseball history.** His remarkable achievements, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on the sport. As the MLB community mourns his loss, Parker's contributions will be celebrated, particularly as he was poised to receive the honor of induction into the Hall of Fame, a testament to his extraordinary career. 1. **Parker's Career**: A celebrated player with significant achievements in MLB. 2. **Recognition**: Set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, highlighting his long-awaited acknowledgment. 3. **Community Impact**: His passing has united fans and players in mourning, reflecting his influence on the game [https://www.essentiallysports.com/mlb-baseball-world-dave-parker-mlb-world-mourns-heartbreaking-loss-as-pittsburgh-pirates-hall-of-famer-passes-away-at][https://www.wtop.com/national/2025/06/pittsburgh-pirates-say-hall-of-famer-dave-parker-has-died-at-74].