Dave Parker, MLB star and Hall of Famer who battled Parkinson's, passes away at the age of 74

Dave Parker, the Major League Baseball player, nicknamed "the Cobra," has passed away at the age of 74 on June 28, 2025, in Cincinnati.

His death was announced by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball in a statement on social media. It read:

““The Cobra” was one of the fiercest hitters of his generation. The two-time batting champion and 1978 NL MVP won two World Series rings, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.”

The statement added:

“A 7-time All-Star with a cannon for an arm, Parker won 3 Gold Glove Awards as well as 3 Silver Sluggers. He was a lifetime .290 hitter with 339 home runs and 1,493 RBI in a 19-year career with the Pirates, Reds, A’s, Brewers, Angels, and Blue Jays.”

The statement also said that during his final years he battled with Parkinson’s disease, which he was reportedly diagnosed with in February 2012. He was elected to the Hall of Fame last December by the Classic Baseball Era Committee. Let us learn more about his health.

Dave Parker, Hall of Famer, revealed he had Parkinson’s disease

In an interview with The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Dave Parker said that though he was diagnosed with the disease in February 2012, it has not progressed rapidly.

“There's no fear. I've had a great life. I always dreamt of playing baseball, and I played. I'm 62 years old and fortunate to make it to this point. I have some beautiful kids that I got to watch grow up and become adults. My fingerprints are on the baseball industry. I feel good about that. I have nothing to feel bad about.”

He revealed in the interview that he had informed only a few friends about the disease. These included Pirates director of alumni affairs Joe Billetdeaux. He said his older sister had a more advanced form of the ailment, adding that he gets nervous while speaking publicly for long hours.

A report in MLB mentioned how Dave Parker's wife, Kelly, took care of him after his diagnosis with the disease. She stood by his side during his doctor visits and helped him in exercise. Another report in Bleacher Report stated that Parker tried to manage his disease naturally without medications, as he feared medicines might worsen his condition and produce side effects. He said his diet and exercise helped him. He said:

"You don't know how long your brain cells are going to be here. I just take it day by day. They said to stay active. That's why I'm trying to get into a vigorous workout routine."

According to a report in USA Today, Dave Parker was set to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025, in Cooperstown, New York.

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Parker played for Major League Baseball for 19 years, which included a 11-year stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a seven-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and a two-time National League batting title champion.

He is survived by his wife, Kellye Crockett Parker and his six children.

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