Dave Parker, a.okay.a “the cobra” of Main League Baseball, died on the age of 74 in June 2025. Leaving a legacy of behind him within the baseball world, Dave performed for a number of groups all through his profession, however he’s finest remembered for his time enjoying with the Pittsburgh Pirates. For the final decade of his life, Dave was dwelling with Parkinson’s Illness, which he revealed in 2013. However the late energy hitter didn’t let the progressive sickness cease him from sustaining his presence within the sport. In truth, his dying got here lower than a month earlier than his Baseball Corridor of Fame induction.
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting mentioned in a public assertion that the staff was “heartbroken” about Dave’s dying, calling him a “beloved member of the Pirates household” and “one of the crucial dominating and intimidating gamers to ever put on a Pirates uniform.”
“All of us who grew up within the ‘70s bear in mind how particular Dave was,” Bob added. “He was an All-Star, a Gold Glover, a batting champion, a Nationwide League MVP and a vital a part of the 1979 Pirates World Sequence Championship staff. It was our honor to welcome Dave and his household again to Pittsburgh to have fun his profession as a part of the inaugural class of the Pirates Corridor of Fame. He had a giant character and his passing has left a good larger void with all who knew him. Our hearts exit to his spouse, Kellye, and his household.”
Beneath, find out about Dave’s ultimate years and well being.
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of 2025 Corridor of Fame electee Dave Parker.
“The Cobra” was one of many fiercest hitters of his era. The 2-time batting champion and 1978 NL MVP received two World Sequence rings, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.
— MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2025
What Sickness Did Dave Parker Have?
Dave was dwelling with Parkinson’s Illness all through the rest of his life.
Dave Parker’s Parkinson’s Illness Battle
Dave was recognized with Parkinson’s Illness in February 2012, he informed The Pittsburgh Tribune-Evaluate in an August 2013 interview. Parkinson’s is a neurological sickness that progresses over time. The dysfunction often begins with small tremors within the arms earlier than an individual begins to really feel stiffness, lack of steadiness and the wrestle to talk.
Moreover, the late MLB star beforehand confirmed utilizing cocaine within the Seventies to Nineteen Eighties. Whereas testifying in a federal courtroom, Dave admitted to arranging cocaine transactions whereas nonetheless enjoying for the Pirates, in keeping with The New York Occasions. The late athlete stopped utilizing medicine by 1982, he mentioned on the time, the publication reported.
Did Dave’s Well being Have an effect on His Publish-MLB Life?
Although Parkinson’s Illness worsens over time, Dave mentioned he had “no concern” about his prognosis throughout a 2013 interview with The Pittsburgh Tribune-Evaluate.
“There’s no concern. I’ve had a terrific life,” the late MLB star mentioned on the time. “I all the time dreamt of enjoying baseball, and I performed. I’m 62 years outdated and lucky to make it up to now. I’ve some lovely children that I received to observe develop up and develop into adults. My fingerprints are on the baseball business. I be ok with that. I’ve nothing to really feel unhealthy about.”
What Occurred to Dave Parker Earlier than He Died?
Since Dave’s official explanation for dying was not instantly disclosed, it’s unclear what precisely occurred to him earlier than he died. Based on the NYT, Dave died in a nursing facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 28, 2025.
Should you or somebody you understand is combating substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Psychological Well being Companies Administration (SAMHSA) Nationwide Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
