The legendary MLB player Dave Parker, known as «The Cobra», has passed away
29 june 2025 в 22:28
Dave Parker, known as the «Cobra» of Major League Baseball, passed away at the age of 74 in June 2025. Leaving his legacy in the world of baseball, Dave played for several teams throughout his career, but he is best remembered for his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the last decade of his life, Dave lived with Parkinson’s disease, which he made public in 2013. However, the late power hitter did not let the progressive disease stop him from remaining in the sport. In fact, his death came less than a month before his posthumous induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting stated in a public statement that the team is «crushed» by Dave’s death, calling him a «beloved member of the Pirates family» and «one of the most dominant and intimidating players to ever wear a Pirates uniform».
«All of us who grew up in the 70s remember how special Dave was», - Bob added. «He was a star, a Gold Glove winner, a batting champion, an NL MVP, and a key figure in the Pirates' 1979 championship team. It was an honor to welcome Dave and his family to Pittsburgh to celebrate his career as part of the Pirates Hall of Fame Class. He had a big personality, and his passing has left an even bigger void for everyone who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife Kelly and his family».
Read on to learn about Dave’s final years and health.
The «Cobra» was one of the toughest hitters of his generation. A two-time batting champion and the 1978 NL MVP, he won two World Series, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.
Dave lived with Parkinson’s disease until the end of his life.
Dave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in February 2012, he told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in August 2013. Parkinson’s is a neurological disease that progresses over time. The disorder typically starts with small tremors in the hands before a person begins to experience stiffness, loss of balance, and difficulty with speech.
Additionally, the late MLB star had previously confirmed cocaine use in the 1970s-1980s. While testifying in federal court, Dave admitted to organizing cocaine deals while playing for the Pirates, according to The New York Times. The late athlete stopped using drugs by 1982, the publication reported.
Although Parkinson’s disease worsens over time, Dave said he did not feel «fear» about his diagnosis during a 2013 interview with The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
«No fear. I’ve had a wonderful life», - the late MLB star said at the time. «I always dreamed of playing baseball, and I did. I’m 62 years old, and I’m happy to have made it to this point. I have wonderful children whom I’ve seen grow up and become adults. My footprints are in the baseball industry. I’m proud of that. I have no reason to regret».
As the official cause of Dave’s death was not immediately disclosed, it is unclear what exactly happened to him before his passing. According to the NYT, Dave passed away at a nursing home in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 28, 2025.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting stated in a public statement that the team is «crushed» by Dave’s death, calling him a «beloved member of the Pirates family» and «one of the most dominant and intimidating players to ever wear a Pirates uniform».
«All of us who grew up in the 70s remember how special Dave was», - Bob added. «He was a star, a Gold Glove winner, a batting champion, an NL MVP, and a key figure in the Pirates' 1979 championship team. It was an honor to welcome Dave and his family to Pittsburgh to celebrate his career as part of the Pirates Hall of Fame Class. He had a big personality, and his passing has left an even bigger void for everyone who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife Kelly and his family».
Read on to learn about Dave’s final years and health.
The «Cobra» was one of the toughest hitters of his generation. A two-time batting champion and the 1978 NL MVP, he won two World Series, one with the Pirates in 1979 and one with the A’s in 1989.
Dave lived with Parkinson’s disease until the end of his life.
Dave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in February 2012, he told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in August 2013. Parkinson’s is a neurological disease that progresses over time. The disorder typically starts with small tremors in the hands before a person begins to experience stiffness, loss of balance, and difficulty with speech.
Additionally, the late MLB star had previously confirmed cocaine use in the 1970s-1980s. While testifying in federal court, Dave admitted to organizing cocaine deals while playing for the Pirates, according to The New York Times. The late athlete stopped using drugs by 1982, the publication reported.
Although Parkinson’s disease worsens over time, Dave said he did not feel «fear» about his diagnosis during a 2013 interview with The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
«No fear. I’ve had a wonderful life», - the late MLB star said at the time. «I always dreamed of playing baseball, and I did. I’m 62 years old, and I’m happy to have made it to this point. I have wonderful children whom I’ve seen grow up and become adults. My footprints are in the baseball industry. I’m proud of that. I have no reason to regret».
As the official cause of Dave’s death was not immediately disclosed, it is unclear what exactly happened to him before his passing. According to the NYT, Dave passed away at a nursing home in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 28, 2025.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
© Kolganov Andrey
