Who was Dave Parker?
Dave Parker was a renowned American professional baseball player who played an explosive career in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1973 to 1991. He was known as “The Cobra” – a nickname that came to symbolize his aggressive playing style, strength and confidence.
He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, and Toronto Blue Jays and set numerous records.
Early life and education
- David Parker Full Name: David Gene Parker
- David Parker Born: 9 June 1951
- David Parker Birth Place: Grinswell, Ohio, USA
- David Parker Wife: Kelley Parker
- David Parker Death: 28 June 2025 (from Parkinson’s Disease)
Dave grew up in a typical middle-class family. His father worked in a factory and his mother was a housewife. In school he excelled at both football and baseball, but due to an injury he made baseball his main career.
Dave Parker MLB career
Pittsburgh Pirates (1973-1983)
- Dave debuted in MLB in 1973.
- He won the National League MVP title in 1978.
- Won the World Series with the Pirates in 1979.
- His famous throw in the 1979 All-Star Game (Dave Parker Throw) is still considered one of the best throws in history.
- His Dave Parker Pirates jersey is still in classic collections.
Cincinnati Reds (1984-1987)
- In 1985 he won the Silver Slugger Award and finished second in the MVP rankings.
- His Dave Parker Reds Shirt and memorabilia are still popular among collectors.
Oakland Athletics, Brewers & Blue Jays (1988-1991)
- Won second World Series with Oakland in 1989.
- Also played for Milwaukee and Toronto late in career.
Dave Parker Stats
- Games Played: 2,466
- Home Runs: 339
- RBIs: 1,493
- Batting Average: .290
- All-Star: 7 Times (1977–81, 1985, 1990)
- Gold Glove: 3 Times
- Silver Slugger: 3 Times
Dave Parker Stats still remain an example in MLB history.
Major Achievements
- 1978 National League MVP
- 2× World Series Champion (1979, 1989)
- 7× All-Star
- 3× Gold Glove Winner
- 3× Silver Slugger Award
- Inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022
(Note: not inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame) - There has been a long-standing controversy and debate over Dave Parker not being made a part of the Hall of Fame.
Dave Parker Net Worth
Dave Parker estimated net worth is around $5 million dollars. He earned this wealth from his sports career, brand endorsements, autobiography, and public appearances.
Dave Parker Memorabilia
Rookie Card, Baseball Cards & Autograph
- His 1974 Topps Dave Parker Rookie Card is still considered one of the most valuable cards of all time.
- Dave Parker Baseball Card Value depends on the condition of the card and autograph and can range from $50 to $5000+.
- Dave Parker Autographed Baseball, Signed Jersey, Autograph, and Bobblehead items are in high demand.
- Dave Parker Card Value has increased further with increasing age.
Shirt, Mask & Jersey
- His jerseys, especially the Pirates and Reds versions, are still sold on online platforms.
- The Dave Parker Shirt and Dave Parker Mask have now become collectible items.
Dave Parker and “Sledgehammer”
Dave’s Sledgehammer Incident is quite famous, when he jokingly practiced with a heavy bat and it became a legend known as the “Dave Parker Sledgehammer”. It was a symbol of his strength and passion for the game.
Autobiography – Cobra: A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood
In this book published in 2021, he wrote openly about his struggles, cocaine addiction, racial discrimination, and health problems. This autobiography exposes the real world behind baseball.
Health Problems and Service
Dave Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the 2000s. Instead of giving up, he started the Dave Parker 39 Foundation, which raises awareness and supports people with the disease.
Dave Parker Death
Dave Parker died on June 28, 2025, at the age of 74. He had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for the past several years. His death stunned the baseball community. MLB, Pirates and Reds teams paid their respects.
Dave Parker is no longer with us, but his “Cobra” legacy will live on forever.
Conclusion – Respecting the Legacy
Dave Parker’s life is the story of a man who wrote history not with his runs on the field but with his passion, struggle and talent. His Dave Parker Jersey, Autograph, Rookie Card, and his “Cobra” mentality have become an inspiration for generations to come.
He was not just a player, he was a legacy.
FAQs
Why is Dave Parker not in the Hall of Fame?
Despite a great career, Dave Parker has not yet been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame due to some controversies and the voting patterns of the Baseball Writers Association. However, he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022.
Did Dave Parker ever win an MVP?
Yes, Dave Parker won the National League MVP (Most Valuable Player) Award in 1978.
What was the cause of death for Dave Parker?
Dave Parker died on June 28, 2025. The main cause of his death was complications related to Parkinson’s Disease.
How many gold gloves did Dave Parker win?
Dave Parker won the Gold Glove Award three times in his career, which reflects his excellent fielding.
Why did Dave Parker wear a mask?
In the 1980s, after an injury and nose surgery, Dave Parker began wearing a protective mask on the field. This gained him considerable popularity and became part of his identity.
Why was Dave Parker called the cobra?
His playing style was characterized by great agility, strength and aggression, which resembled the sudden attack of a cobra (snake). This is why he got the nickname “The Cobra”.
What was Dave Parker’s nickname?
Dave Parker was known in the baseball world as “The Cobra.”
How long has Dave Parker had Parkinson’s disease?
He had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease since around 2012 and struggled with the disease for 13 years.
What was Dave Parker’s cause of death?
The cause of his death was Parkinson’s Disease and related health complications.
