June 29th 2025.
On June 28, 2025, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker. The legendary Pirate, who spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, passed away at the age of 74 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Parker had an impressive career, filled with numerous accomplishments and accolades, and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Parker entered the daunting role of replacing baseball legend Roberto Clemente after his tragic death in 1972. It was no easy feat, as Clemente's impact both on and off the field was near that of Jackie Roosevelt Robinson. But Parker rose to the challenge and proved himself to be a gifted all-around player, earning numerous accomplishments throughout his 19 seasons in the MLB.
His stellar career, just shy of reaching 3,000 hits, often the benchmark for a player to enter Baseball's Hall of Fame, was still impressive. Parker was selected to enter the Hall of Fame in December 2024 and will be officially inducted in July of that year. His other bullet points on the resume, including a National League MVP Award, two batting titles, and three gold gloves, speak to his incredible talent and dedication to the sport. He was also the inaugural winner of the Home Run Derby in 1985, a prestigious honor in baseball's All-Star Game festivities.
Parker was a beloved figure, not only in Pittsburgh but in the baseball community as a whole. Upon his passing, many of his former teammates and friends took to social media to share their condolences and memories of him. Bert Blyleven, Chuck D, and Andrew Fillipponi all paid tribute to their former teammate and personal hero, remembering him as a talented player and a caring friend.
According to a press release from Major League Baseball, Parker's career numbers are nothing short of impressive. He compiled 2,712 hits during his 19 seasons, batting .290, hitting 339 home runs, and producing 1,493 runs. He was also a key part of the Willie "Pops" Stargell led "We Are Family" version of the Pittsburgh Pirates, helping them win two World Series titles, a decade apart.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his sadness at the news of Parker's passing, calling him a gifted all-around player and praising his numerous accomplishments on the field. He was a World Series Champion with both the 1979 Pirates and the 1989 Athletics, a beloved All-Star in his hometown of Cincinnati, and an All-Star in Milwaukee. He was also known for his famous arm, earning three Gold Glove awards, and for winning the inaugural Home Run Derby in 1985. The entire baseball community is deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts are with Parker's family and fans during this difficult time.
Parker's career was not without its challenges, including the unenviable task of replacing Clemente and a 1985 drug trial that alleged he was part of a cocaine ring active in the Pirates' clubhouse. Despite these obstacles, Parker played hard and at a high level, proving himself to be a formidable player under pressure. This was evident in his 15 years on the Baseball Writers Association of America ballot, where he received the maximum amount of time before being moved to the Modern Baseball Era ballot, where he and Dick Allen received the necessary votes for induction.
Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark also paid tribute to Parker, calling him a courageous leader both on and off the field. She expressed the Hall of Fame's honor in inducting him and promised to remember his incredible life and career at the upcoming Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown. Parker's legacy will be forever remembered and celebrated by the baseball community, and he will be dearly missed.
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