PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates legend Dave Parker has died at 74.
PHOTOS: Pittsburgh Pirates legend Dave Parker through the years
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced the right-fielder’s death Saturday evening.
Parker, also known as “The Cobra,” played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 11 years, winning 2 batting titles and an MVP Award.
He won a World Series Championship in 1979.
He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for over a decade.
He was voted the National League Most Valuable Player in 1977. At that time, he led the league with a .334 average, had 30 home runs and collected 117 RBIs.
The Pittsburgh Pirates inducted him into their inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Pirates introduce first members of their first Hall of Fame class
He will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown next month.
Parker is the 45th member of the Pirates organization to be voted into the Hall of Fame.
Fans held a moment of silence for Parker at PNC Park on Saturday.
Pittsburgh Pirates Chariman Bob Nutting released a statement about Parker, saying:
“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.”
Andrew McCutchen also spoke out about Parker and recalled the first time they met.
“I remember one of the first times meeting him...you always have this thought about what they are...I’d never seen him in person, only seen video - a guy that big and to be the hitter he was...” said McCutchen.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
