The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds announced Hall of Famer Dave Parker passed away before Saturday’s games.
Parker was set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27 after a 19-year career that started in 1972 and ended in 1990.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker,” the Pirates announced on social media. “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 known as one of the elite hitters that was part of the “Fam-a-lee” for the Pirates. His contributions to the team were significant, and it’s hard to imagine the team winning the World Series without his efforts.
He was 74 years old, and his impact on baseball will never be forgotten. The Cobra finished his career with 2,712 hits, a .290 batting average, 339 home runs and 1,493 RBI.
Upon leaving the Pirates, he spent the next four seasons with the Reds followed by bouncing around several teams in his final two years.
The seven-time All-Star made himself a staple in the mid-summer classic, and his performances led to winning three Gold Gloves, two batting titles and a Silver Slugger award.
Parker will be missed deeply by the Pirates organization as well as the baseball community.
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