Lest we forget: Dave Parker

June 30, 2025

The Hall of Fame outfielder who spent most of his illustrious career with the Pittsburgh Pirates died on June 28 at the age of 74.

Parker, who had been suffering from Parkinson’s for more than a decade, also spent time with the Reds, Athletics, Brewers, Angels, and Blue Jays during his 19 big league seasons. A fearsome hitter who stood 6’5′ and weighed 230 pounds, Parker won numerous awards including an NL MVP in 1978. He was also no slouch with the leather, winning three Gold Glove Awards.

Here’s his obituary from The New York Times by Richard Goldstein. Needless to say, his passing was well-documented in the Pittsburgh Gazette, but unfortunately those tributes are behind a pay wall.

Pirate Dave Parker shares a laugh with 1979 teammate Don Robinson (back) before honoring the 1979 World Champion Pirates at PNC Park, Pittsburgh.

Parker’s autobiography — Cobra: A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood — written with with Dave Jordan in 2021 was nominated for Spitball Magazine‘s prestigious CASEY Award.

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