In a blow to baseball fans and patriots alike, a hard-hitting Hall of Fame outfielder and symbol of old-school American grit died at 74.
See the tweet further down this post.
Dave “The Cobra” Parker’s remarkable career spanned an era when baseball players were true warriors who played hard on every play.
His passing marks another loss of a great American sportsman who exemplified the strong work ethic that made the country exceptional.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Parker’s death over the weekend. “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker,” the organization stated.
“A beloved member of the Pirates family, ‘The Cobra’ was one of the most dominating and intimidating players to ever wear a Pirates uniform,” it added.
A dominant force in Major League Baseball for 19 seasons, Parker was known for his intimidating presence at the plate, his powerful arm in the outfield, and his larger-than-life personality, which captivated fans across America.
Parker played 11 seasons with the Pirates (1973-1983), helping lead the team to a World Series championship in 1979. He later won another championship with the Oakland Athletics in 1989.
His remarkable career included seven All-Star selections, three Gold Glove awards, and the 1978 National League MVP award.
Unlike many of today’s players who seem more concerned with social media and politics, Parker was all about performance on the field.
He became the first professional baseball player to earn $1 million per season.
“He was such a big dude at a time when there weren’t that many ‘6-foot-5, 230-pound, dynamic defender, batting champion with power’ guys,” Hall of Famer and Reds teammate Barry Larkin said. “Everything about him was impressive.”
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… pic.twitter.com/UuikGxw6dI
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 28, 2025
Parker’s incredible stats include a .290 career batting average, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs.
At the time of his retirement, he was one of only five players with at least 500 doubles, 300 homers, 150 stolen bases, and 2,700 hits.
Despite his on-field greatness, Parker’s path to the Hall of Fame was complicated by his involvement in the 1985 Pittsburgh drug trials.
Contrary to today’s athletes who often escape serious consequences for their mistakes, Parker faced his errors head-on, overcame them, and continued his career with dignity and determination.
“Dave Parker was a gifted all-around player whose numerous accomplishments led to his upcoming induction in Cooperstown this summer,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated.
In addition, Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012 but faced this challenge with the same courage and determination that defined his playing career.
His election to the Hall of Fame in December 2024 was a long-overdue recognition of his tremendous impact on America’s pastime.
Parker’s legacy goes beyond statistics. He was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to playing the game the right way.
Baseball fans across America will remember Dave “The Cobra” Parker as one of the last icons from an era when the game truly reflected the hard work, determination, and excellence without excuses.
