It’s a sad day for baseball fans. A month before his scheduled induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Dave “The Cobra” Parker passed away. The legendary outfielder played Major League Baseball for 19 seasons, 11 of which were with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Though his family did not disclose his cause of death, Dave Parker received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2013, according to USA Today.

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The Pirates shared the heartbreaking news of his death prior to the start of their game on June 28.

“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker. A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award, and a World Series Championship in 1979. The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame class in 2022, and will be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown next month,” a post on X reads.

Dave Parker’s Death Saddened Those Who Knew And Loved Him

Pirates owner Bob Nutting shared his sadness in a statement obtained by 6 Action News.

“All of us who grew up in the ’70s remember how special Dave was,” he shared. “He had a big personality and his passing has left a bigger void for all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Kellye, and his family.”

Baseball lovers shared memories of Dave Parker on the Pirate’s X post.

“One of the greatest compliments you can give a rival baseball player is that you hate when they get up to the plate… As a HUGE Phillies fan of the mid 1970s-early 80s, no opponent evoked more fear than Dave Parker,” a fan shared.

“Praying for Dave Parker and his family! I’ll never forget that throw he made in the all star game to get a guy at the plate. An incredible baseball player. He’d hit 40 homers if he played now and still win a batting title,” a fan agreed.

According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, The Cobra had an impressive career: “He finished with a .290 career average, 2,712 hits, 339 home runs and 1,493 RBI. He was named to seven All-Star teams and won three Gold Gloves Awards in right field.”

This post’s featured image is by Focus on Sport/Getty Images.