Hall of Famer Dave Parker, a five-tool superstar who dominated multiple phases of the game, has left an indelible mark on baseball history. At his peak, Parker was widely regarded as the best all-around player in the sport. He passed away June 28, 2025, after battling Parkinson’s Disease for over a decade.
Born in Granada, Mississippi, Parker was raised by Reds legends Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson at Crosley Field. A standout athlete who fell to the 14th round of the MLB Draft, Parker tore through the minor leagues and debuted with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1973. The team had the player who would succeed Roberto Clemente, one of its legendary right fielders.
Parker’s impressive career spanned 19 seasons, earning him seven All-Star Game selections, three Gold Glove Awards, and three Silver Slugger Awards. He led the National League in slugging percentage in 1975 and topped all NL batters with a .338 average two years later. In 1978, Parker won the NL MVP Award after breaking his cheekbone in a collision at the plate.
After an initial decline due to injuries, weight gain, and substance abuse, Parker experienced a resurgence in his career with the Reds from 1984 to 1987. He then played for several teams, including Oakland, Milwaukee, Anaheim, and Toronto. Throughout his career, Parker hit .290 with 339 home runs and 1,493 RBI.
Parker was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on December 8, 2024, and will be inducted on July 27, 2025, at Cooperstown. His legacy will be celebrated forever, remembered for his courage, leadership, and outstanding accomplishments on the field.
Source: https://baseballhall.org/discover/remembering-dave-parker