Hall of Fame Dave Parker After a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease, he passed away at the age of 74 today, and the Pirates announced before the start of today’s game. The sad news will take less than a month to officially be selected for Cooperstown, as Parker and Dick Allen (like Parker, former MVP and seven-time All-Star Parker, former MVP and seven-time All-Star) were named Hall last winter.
“Cobra” is a veteran of 19 major league seasons in 1973-1991 and is one of the most feared batsmen of the sport for most of his career. Parker defeated .290/.339/.471 in 10184’s professional games and 2466 games, amassing 339 home runs and 2712 careers. Parker, along with his seven All-Star nods and the 1978 NL MVP Awards, has won two batting titles and three-time King Lover. Parker also had 154 steals on his resume, a legitimate five-factory threat in his prime, with knee issues decreasing Parker’s speed and ability to play regularly.
This spectacular profession originated from the 14th round pick of the Buccaneers in the 1970 draft. Parker was part of his first two Major League Baseball seasons, and he became a daily force in 1975, joining forces with Pittsburgh legend Willie Stargell and other prominent figures of that era, such as Al Oliver, Bill Robinson and Richie Zisk, to wreak havoc in the middle of the lineup.
The Pirates had several outstanding teams in Parker’s 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, but in an era when only two-division champions entered the playoffs, the success of the playoffs was hard to get. Buccos won three division titles during his tenure at Parker, but did not make it to the World Series until 1979, when the “We Are Family” Pirates overcame a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Orioles and win the team’s latest title. Parker naturally played a big role in the title, reaching .341/.396/.415 in the 48 playoff PA to help the Pirates win the championship.
Parker also achieved a significant contract milestone before the 1979 season began as he signed a five-year, $5MM contract with the Pirates (at the time) sport’s largest contract. Technically, the deal made Parker the first player to earn $1mm per season, even with some deferred money in the deal that put his actual annual average value south of the seven-figure south.
The contract led to expectations, and while Parker’s extrovert and exaggerated personality made him a fan favorite in the good times, some in Pittsburgh began to see Parker as a conceit, and when the Pirates fell dramatically after 1979, Parker’s own numbers began to decline. Parker’s knee problems and cocaine addiction clearly affected his performance, leaving Pittsburgh after the 1983 season to sign with the Reds.
Parker’s second act had several memorable moments, including a major comeback year in 1985, which led him to second place in the NL MVP vote. Parker won the track and field competition in 1988 and 1989 for four seasons in Cincinnati. Although not his high-quality ball of his age. A, winemaker, Angels and Blue Jays.
After retirement, Parker moved into the coach and spent a long time waiting for him to finally call Cooperstown. Parker has never received much support from writers in the 15 years of the BBWAA vote, his cocaine habits and his participation in the 1985 Pittsburgh drug trial are often seen as a key reason for lack of voter support. Parker was miserable at the ceremony in Cooperstown next month, but he was finally properly cast as a Hall of Fame in at least last December’s study satisfaction.
Everyone in the Major League Baseball trade rumors expressed condolences with Parker’s family, friends and many fans.
