CINCINNATI, OH – Dave Parker, the fearsome slugger known as “The Cobra” who won an MVP award and a World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates before embarking on a courageous public battle with Parkinson’s disease, has died at the age of 73.

• A Dominant Force – Parker was a seven-time All-Star, won the 1978 National League MVP, and secured back-to-back batting titles in 1977 and 1978. He was a cornerstone of the 1979 World Series champion “We Are Family” Pirates.
• Larger-Than-Life Persona – At 6-foot-5, Parker’s on-field presence was matched by his swagger. In 1979, he became a pioneer in player contracts by signing MLB’s first deal worth an average of $1 million per year.
• A Public Battle with Illness – After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012, Parker became a public advocate, sharing his journey and raising funds and awareness to fight the neurodegenerative disorder.

The passing of Dave Parker marks the end of an era for baseball fans, particularly in Pittsburgh, where his towering presence and powerful swing defined a generation of the sport. But to measure his life in statistics alone is to miss the full story of a man who was as charismatic and complex as he was talented.

What Made ‘The Cobra’ One of Baseball’s Most Feared Players?

For a decade, Dave Parker was a force of nature. From his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1973, his combination of size, speed, and power was rare. Wielding a bat with intimidating force, he won consecutive NL batting titles, hitting .338 in 1977 and .334 in 1978. That 1978 season was the pinnacle of his career, as he also led the league in slugging percentage and OPS, earning the National League’s Most Valuable Player award.

His defense was just as formidable. Parker possessed one of the most powerful throwing arms in baseball history, earning him three consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1977 to 1979. His crowning achievement came in 1979, when he was an emotional and statistical leader for the “We Are Family” Pirates team that captured the World Series. The image of Parker—imposing and confident—was synonymous with the success and swagger of late-70s baseball.

How Did Parker Change the Business and Culture of Baseball?

Parker’s impact went far beyond the diamond. In 1979, he signed a five-year contract worth a reported $5 million, making him the first player in the sport to earn an average of $1 million per season. The deal was a landmark moment in sports business, ushering in a new era of player compensation and cementing Parker’s status as a superstar.

However, this status also brought intense scrutiny. When injuries and a dip in performance followed, he became a target of fan frustration in Pittsburgh. His journey later took him to his hometown Cincinnati Reds, where he experienced a career renaissance, winning the Silver Slugger award in 1985 and serving as a veteran leader for the team that would win the 1990 World Series shortly after his departure. His career, which also included stops with Oakland, Milwaukee, California, and Toronto, was a full narrative of soaring highs, difficult lows, and resilient comebacks.

Why Was His Final Chapter So Inspiring?

Long after his playing days ended, Dave Parker faced his toughest opponent. In 2012, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the same illness that had afflicted his friend and fellow athlete Muhammad Ali. Instead of retreating from public life, Parker confronted the diagnosis with the same tenacity he showed on the field.

He spoke openly about the challenges of the disease and established the Dave Parker 39 Foundation to raise money for Parkinson’s research and support. He made public appearances, even as his physical condition declined, to advocate for a cure and to push for his own consideration for the Baseball Hall of Fame. This final chapter revealed a different kind of strength, one defined not by home runs or powerful throws, but by vulnerability and a determination to make a difference for others. It cemented a legacy of a man who fought with everything he had, both in the batter’s box and in life.