Dave Parker, Pittsburgh Pirates slugging outfielder, dies at 74 before he could deliver his 15-year-old speech for his Baseball Hall of Fame induction
(Image via Getty: Dave Parker)
Dave Parker died a month before he was to be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. On June 29, the official X account of the Pittsburgh Pirates shared: We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker.
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(July 27).
Dave Parker, a 74-year-old
MLB legend
, passes away after a decade-spanning battle with Parkinson's disease
The 74-year-old MLB legend was battling Parkinson's disease for more than a decade. He was diagnosed in February 2012.
Adam Berry of the MLB Network reported that Dave Parker's life changed in 2012 when he went for a routine checkup. The doctor noticed his hand trembling on his leg. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Parker's wife, Kellye, cared for him throughout his battle with Parkinson's - be it treatment, exercise, or frequent visits to the doctor.
In 2018, he shared, 'I'm a battler.'
Dave Parker had cried when his Baseball Hall of Fame induction was announced in December 2024
When his Hall of Fame induction was declared in December 2024, Dave Parker shared with the MLB Network, 'It was a long time waiting.
So it was exciting. I'm looking forward to being there. I've been holding this speech in for 15 years.' The 7-time All-Star could not hold his tears back. Parker said, 'Yeah, I cried. It only took a few minutes because I don't cry.'
Dave Parker loved competition and enjoyed playing in the Major League Baseball
'I was a five-tool player. I could do them all. I never trotted to first base. I don't know if people noticed that, but I ran hard on every play. The 70s were tough. You had to be a heck of a player to play in the 70s.
I enjoyed that. I loved competition. I just enjoyed playing,' the Pittsburgh Pirates legend Dave Parker shared with The Japan Times in December 2024, when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Parker was more than just a heck of a player. His accolades went above the roof. He had a batting average of .290, accumulated 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,492 runs batted in. The designated hitter played the longest for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1973-1983.
Then, Parker represented the Cincinnati Reds from 1984 to 1987. Thereafter, the right fielder made appearances for a year or two on four Major League Baseball teams, namely the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Dave Parker was a 7-time All-Star, 2-time World Series Champion, 3-time Gold Glove Award winner, 3-time Silver Slugger Award recipient, 2-time NL Batting Champion, 1-time RBI Leader, Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer, and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer. On July 27, Dave Parker would be enshrined posthumously in the Baseball Hall of Fame after having received 87.5% votes from the Classic Baseball Era Committee.
Adam Berry of MLB Network said Parker's words were often boastful and always unforgettable: 'When the leaves turn brown, I'll be wearing the batting crown.'
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