DAVE Parker, the powerful outfielder known as “The Cobra,” has died at 74, just weeks before he was due to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Parker’s death on Saturday, informing fans just before their game against the New York Mets and holding a moment of silence.
Powerful outfielder Dave Parker, known as ‘The Cobra’, has died aged 74[/caption]
Parker (right) after he hit a home run against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning in Game 1 of baseball’s World Series, Oct. 14, 1989, in Oakland, California[/caption]
The star, pictured in 1982, was just weeks away from joining the Baseball Hall of Fame[/caption]
No details about the cause of death have been released.
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker, a legendary Pirate.
“He had a big personality and his passing has left an even bigger void with all who knew him.
“Our hearts go out to his wife, Kellye, and his family.”
Parker’s legacy in the game is colossal.
Standing 6-foot-5 and wielding both power and style, he smashed his way into the big leagues in 1973 and played 19 seasons, including 11 with Pittsburgh.
A seven-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove right fielder, Parker was named NL MVP in 1978, won back-to-back batting titles in ‘77 and ‘78, and lifted the Pirates to World Series glory in 1979.
He claimed a second ring with Oakland in 1989, even belting a homer in the World Series opener.
“Yeah, I cried,” Parker confessed after finally getting the Hall of Fame call from a special committee last December.
“It only took a few minutes, because I don’t cry.”
He was due to be inducted on July 27 — a moment the baseball world had long awaited.
Hall chairman Jane Forbes Clark said: “We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker.
“His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field.”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred added: “We will remember the Cobra forever, especially as his name soon officially joins the legends of our National Pastime.”
Born June 9, 1951, in Grenada, Mississippi, Parker grew up in Cincinnati and starred in three sports at Courter Tech High School.
After his electric run in Pittsburgh, he signed with his hometown Reds in 1984 and led the NL with 125 RBIs the next year, finishing second in MVP voting.
“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.”
The Reds paid tribute, saying: “Dave was a towering figure on the field, in the clubhouse and in the Cincinnati community…
“Dave’s impact on the game and this franchise will never be forgotten.”
A moment of silence was held today for Dave Parker before the game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets at PNC Park[/caption]
The Pittsburgh Pirates legend holds the trophy he received in Seattle, Tuesday, July 17, 1979, after winning the MVP award in the All Star game.[/caption]
Parker pictured in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1979[/caption]
Parker wrapped up his career with a .290 average, 339 homers and 1,493 RBIs, also suiting up for Milwaukee, the California Angels and Toronto.
He revealed in 2012 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Despite the battle, his love for the game — and his pride in how he played it — never wavered.
“I was a five-tool player. I could do them all,” Parker once said.
“I never trotted to first base. I don’t know if people noticed that, but I ran hard on every play.”
