The Pittsburgh Pirates today confirmed the passing of legendary Pirates National Baseball Hall of Famer Dave
Parker. Parker was 74 years old.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dave Parker. A beloved member of the Pirates family, ‘The Cobra’
was one of the most dominating and intimidating players to ever wear a Pirates uniform,” said Pirates Chairman
Bob Nutting. “All of us who grew up in the ‘70s remember how special Dave was. He was an All-Star, a Gold
Glover, a batting champion, a National League MVP and a critical part of the 1979 Pirates World Series
Championship team. It was our honor to welcome Dave and his family back to Pittsburgh to celebrate his career
as part of the inaugural class of the Pirates Hall of Fame.
“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 was an inaugural member of the Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022 and will be enshrined into the
National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, on July 27.
Parker spent 11 seasons (1973-83) in a Pittsburgh uniform and ranks among the team’s all-time leaders in
home runs (166), doubles (296), RBI (758) and extra-base hits (524) while producing a .305 batting average.
Parker was named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1978 and captured back-to-back batting titles
with the Pirates in 1977 after hitting .338 and in 1978 after hitting .334.
Parker, who was a member of the World-Champion Pirates in 1979, also won three Gold Glove Awards and was
named to the All-Star team four times with Pittsburgh.
Comments