Dave Parker’s Legend Lives On: Baseball Icon to Be Immortalized in Cooperstown

The baseball world mourns the loss of a true legend, Dave Parker, who passed away on June 28, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Known as “The Cobra” for his fierce playing style, Parker’s legacy as one of the game’s greatest five-tool players will forever be etched in history—especially as his Hall of Fame induction approaches on July 27, 2025.

The Moment That Defined a Legend

Fans of This Week in Baseball will never forget the iconic 1979 All-Star Game at Seattle’s Kingdome. With the game tied 6-6 in the ninth inning, Parker fielded a single and unleashed a rocket throw home, nailing Brian Downing at the plate. That play sealed his All-Star MVP and cemented his reputation as baseball’s most dominant all-around player at the time.

 A Career of Triumphs & Resilience

• 🏆 2× NL Batting Champion (1977, 1978)
• 🔥 1978 NL MVP (.334 AVG, 30 HR, 117 RBI)
• ⚔️ 3× Gold Glove Winner (Elite defensive skills)
• 💍 2× World Series Champion (1979 Pirates, 1989 A’s)
• 💰 First $1 Million/Year Player (Pioneered big contracts)

Parker’s journey wasn’t without struggles—injuries, weight issues, and substance abuse derailed his prime years in Pittsburgh. Yet, he reinvented himself with the Reds, leading the NL in RBIs (125) and doubles (42) in 1985 and finishing 2nd in MVP voting. Later, he helped the Oakland A’s dominate the late ‘80s, proving his greatness spanned eras.

Hall of Fame Honors & Tributes

Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, shared:

“Dave Parker’s legacy is one of courage, power, and sheer will. His election to Cooperstown brought him immense joy, and we will honor his extraordinary impact at this year’s induction.”

The Road to Cooperstown

• 📅 Drafted in the 14th round (Overcame early setbacks)
• ⚾ Replaced Roberto Clemente’s legacy in Pittsburgh
• 🛡️ Played through a broken cheekbone (Wore a hockey mask!)
• ⚡ 7× All-Star, 3× Silver Slugger, 1,493 career RBI