Pirates legend Dave ‘Cobra’ Parker passes shortly before Hall of Fame induction

One of the most beloved figures in Pittsburgh Pirates history, Dave Parker, has died, the MLB franchise confirmed on Saturday. He was 74.

Parker, who was also affectionately known as “The Cobra,” was named to seven MLB All-Star teams. He racked up more than 2,700 hits and hit 339 homers during his storied big league career. He received National League MVP honors for his standout 1978 season. 

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May 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates former right fielder and 1978 MVP Dave Parker looks on during a ceremony honoring the 1979 World Series team before the Pirates host the Atlanta Braves at PNC Park. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

While he is best known for his tenure with the Pirates, Parker also had stints with the Cincinnati Reds, the Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, and two other MLB clubs.

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Parker died less than two months before he was scheduled to be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

Dave Parker of the 1979 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates looks on before interleague play between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park May 21, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

A moment of silence took place at the Pirates home game against the New York Mets on Saturday.

Jun 28, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) pauses for a moment of silence to honor Pittsburgh Pirates former Hall of Fame right fielder Dave Parker on his passing before the game against the Pirates at PNC Park. (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

Parker was a key piece of the Pirates’ 1979 World Series-winning team. He was also a member of the Athletics 1989 World Series championship team.

The Pirates honored its former star, saying the news of Parker’s passing left them “heartbroken.”

OutKick’s Ricky Cobb, host of “The Ricky Cobb Show,” took to his Super 70s X feed to share his thoughts on the loss of Parker.

“I’m sad he won’t be there physically to be enshrined in Cooperstown in less than a month. But I’m happy he passed secure at last in the knowledge he will forever reside among baseball’s immortals. Have your lighter handy, St. Peter, because smoking one with the Cobra will be a privilege. #RIP,” the post concluded.

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Parker went public with his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2013.

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