MLB: Pirates Legend And Hall of Famer Dave Parker Dead At 74
He was a seven-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion.
Former MLB right fielder and designated hitter Dave Parker, also known as “The Cobra,” passed away on Saturday, June 29th, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.
“All of us throughout the game are deeply saddened by this loss,” said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement. “We will remember the Cobra forever, especially as his name soon officially joins the legends of our National Pastime. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my sympathy to Dave’s family and his fans across the game.”
Parker spent 19 years in the majors, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cincinnati Reds, the Oakland Athletics, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Toronto Blue Jays from 1973 to 1991. Throughout his illustrious career, he won two World Series championships and was named an MLB All-Star seven times.
Parker spent the majority of his career in Pittsburgh, where he played for 11 years. During his tenure with the Pirates from 1973 to 1984, he was named an All-Star four times and was named the National League MVP in 1978. He also won three straight Golden Glove Awards while winning the NL batting title in 1977 and 1978. In 1979, he helped the Pirates beat the Baltimore Orioles in seven games to win the World Series.
“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 in a statement. “All of us who grew up in the ‘70s remember how special Dave was… 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.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of 2025 Hall of Fame electee Dave Parker.
“The Cobra” was one of the fiercest hitters of his generation. The two-time batting champion and 1978 NL MVP won two World Series rings, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.
— MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2025
After becoming a free agent following the conclusion of the 1983 season, Parker signed a deal with his hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds, and returned to All-Star form. From 1984 to 1987, Parker was named an All-Star twice, won back-to-back Silver Slugger awards, and led the National League in RBIs in 1985. He also won the first-ever Home Run Derby in 1985.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of Dave Parker,” said Bob Castellini, the Reds’ principal owner and managing partner. “Dave was a towering figure on the field, in the clubhouse, and in the Cincinnati community where his baseball journey began, playing on the fields near his home and going to games at Crosley Field. Dave’s impact on the game and on this franchise will never be forgotten. We are extremely proud he wore a Reds uniform as part of his Hall of Fame career. Our thoughts are with his family and all who loved him.”
Following his four-year stint with Cincinnati, Parker played for the Oakland Athletics in 1988 and 1989, the Milwaukee Brewers in 1990, and the Angels and Blue Jays in 1991. He helped the Athletics win the World Series in 1989 while being named an All-Star and a Silver Slugger winner in 1990 with the Brewers.
In 2014, Parker was named to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Then, in 2022, he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame as part of the team’s inaugural Hall of Fame class. This past December, Parker was elected to the Pro Baseball Hall of Fame after appearing on the ballot as a classic-era player.
Dave Parker is survived by his wife, Kellye Crockett Parker, and his six children. He was 74 years old.