Dave Parker

Dave Parker, also known as “The Cobra,” transitioned from being an MLB All-Star and MVP to a respected figure in baseball, influencing future generations and contributing to community service. After beginning his distinguished Major League Baseball career in 1973 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Dave Parker, known as ‘The Cobra,’ quickly established himself as a powerful right fielder and hitter. He earned two National League batting titles in 1977 and 1978, culminating in the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 1978, where he led the league in slugging percentage (.585), on-base plus slugging (.979), and total bases (340). Parker’s defensive prowess was equally recognized, earning him three consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1977 to 1979, including a remarkable 26 assists in 1977.

He received further accolades late in his playing career, including another All-Star selection, Silver Slugger Award, and Edgar Martinez Award in 1990. Post-retirement, Parker remained deeply involved in baseball, serving as a first-base coach for the Anaheim Angels in 1997 and a batting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1998. His enduring contributions to the sport were recognized with inductions into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame in 2022.

Additionally, Parker was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025. Demonstrating a commitment to community service, he established the Dave Parker 39 Foundation in 2012 to support Parkinson’s disease research.