Hall of Famer, Pirates Great Dave Parker Dies at 74

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that Hall of Fame outfielder Dave Parker died at the age of 74.

Parker, who spent 19 seasons in the big leagues and his first 11 with the Pirates, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame via the Classic Era Committee as part of the 2025 class. He was set to be induced into Cooperstown in less than a month.

“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.”

The Pirates selected Parker in the 14th round of the 1970 draft out of Courter Tech High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He made his debut with Pittsburgh three years later.

Parker’s Pirates’ career included the 1978 National League MVP award, four of his seven career All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves and the 1979 World Series championship.

During his 11 years in Pittsburgh, Parker hit .305 with an .810 OPS, 1,479 hits, 296 doubles, 62 triples, 166 home runs, 758 RBI and 123 stolen bases. He won the batting title in back-to-back seasons from 1977-78.

Nicknamed “the Cobra,” Parker was inducted into the Pirates’ Hall of Fame in 2022 as part of their inaugural class.

Following his career with the Pirates, Parker signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1983, where he spent four seasons. He also had stops with the Oakland A’s, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels and Toronto Blue Jays before retiring following the 1991 season. Parker won his second World Series with the A’s in 1989, 10 years after he helped lead the “We Are Family” Pirates all the way.

Parker had a reputation as being one of the toughest players to ever play the game. He had a thunderous swing, a big arm and an even larger personality.

“Dave Parker was a gifted all-around player whose numerous accomplishments led to his upcoming induction in Cooperstown this summer,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said. “He was a World Series Champion with the 1979 Pirates and the 1989 Athletics, a beloved All-Star Red in his hometown of Cincinnati, and an All-Star in Milwaukee.  Dave was also a three-time Gold Glover on the strength of his famous arm, a two-time batting champion, and the winner of the inaugural Home Run Derby in 1985.

“All of us throughout the game are deeply saddened by this loss.  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.”

A moment of silence was held at PNC Park prior to Saturday’s game between the Pirates and New York Mets.

Remembering the Cobra. pic.twitter.com/JyIWjJfpEV

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 28, 2025