Major League baseball player Dave Parker died June 28, 2025 at the age of 74 as the result of Parkinson’s disease.
Parker is among the newest members of the MLB Hall of Fame set to be inducted later this month. He was selected in December as a part of the Classic Baseball Era Committee selections. It is believed that he missed being selected during his year of eligibility due to drug use.
Hal of Famel chairman Jane Forbes Clark spoke on Parker saying, “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. His election to the Hall of Fame in December brought great joy to him, his family and all the fans who marveled at his remarkable abilities.”
Fellow Hall of Famer and Reds teammate Barry Larkin added, “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. Everything about him was impressive.”
Making his MLB debut in 1973, Parker spent 19 seasons as a professional baseball player eleven of them with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he played in the outfield. He is a two time World Series champion – once with the Pirates and one with the Oakland Athletics. He also played for the Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, the California Angels, and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Parker also won the MVP award in 1978, a seven time All Star, a three time Gold Glove winner, and the National League batting title in 1977 and ’78.
Pirates owner Bob Nutting spoke on Parker saying, “all of us who grew up in the ‘70s remember how special Dave was. He had a big personality and his passing has left a bigger void for all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Kellye, and his family.”
He was born on June 9, 1951 in Grenada, Mississippi, one of six children, but grew up in Cincinnati where he excelled in three sports during high school but a knee injury his senior year ended his football playing career.
The Pirates drafted Parker in 1970 out of high school as a catcher; but made his mark as an outfielder.
Parker once hit a home run during his minor league days that landed in a coal car and ended up in Columbus, Ohio. Baseballs are hard wrapped yarn covered in a leather cover; Parker once hit a ball that literally hit the cover off of the ball. He had the nickname of The Cobra.
Today, players earn millions of dollars each year; but in 1979, a million dollars per year was a lot of money. Parker was the first player to sign a five year $5 million contract.
Parker is survived by his wife Kellye and children.