Dave Parker

The Cobra who ruled right field and broke new ground in player salaries.

David Gene Parker (born June 9, 1951), nicknamed "the Cobra", is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball as a right fielder from 1973 to 1991. A seven-time All-Star, Parker won two National League (NL) batting titles and was the 1978 NL Most Valuable Player. He was a member of two World Series championship teams, winning with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 and the Oakland Athletics in 1989. Parker was among the first baseball players to earn an average of $1 million per year, having signed a five-year, $5 million contract in January 1979.

Quick Facts

Position: Right fielder; Designated hitter
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Born: 9 June 1951
Birthplace: Grenada, Mississippi, U.S.
Died: 28 June 2025
Place of death: Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Debut league: MLB

Lore & Background

Parker commenced his Major League Baseball career in 1973 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He adopted a unique approach to warming up in the on-deck circle, utilizing a sledgehammer. In 1977, he was the National League batting champion, a feat he repeated in 1978 when he was also named NL MVP. During his MVP campaign, he led the NL in slugging percentage (.585), on-base plus slugging (.979), and total bases (340).

He achieved these statistics despite a collision with John Stearns at home plate on June 30, 1978, that fractured his jaw and cheekbone. A specially crafted hockey mask allowed him to return in a little over two weeks. He later used modified football helmets with and without a facemask, which was controversial among opposing players. Parker was an instrumental part of the Pirates' 1979 World Series championship team and was one of multiple Pirates to make the United Press International all-star selection at the end of the 1979 season (alongside Willie Stargell, among others).

In 1981, Lawrence Ritter and Donald Honig included him in 'The 100 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time.' By the early 1980s, his batting waned due to injuries, weight issues, and cocaine consumption. He became a central figure in a drug scandal involving dealer Curtis Strong. Parker filed a lawsuit against the Pirates in 1986 over deferred payments; the matter was resolved through an out-of-court settlement.

Reader's Guide

Parker was known as a solid defensive outfielder during the first half of his career, winning three straight Gold Glove Awards. From 1975 to 1979, he threw out 72 runners, including 26 in 1977. His power hitting resulted in an at-bat that 'knocked the cover off the ball' upon landing in the outfield. After the 1983 season, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds as a free agent.

In 1985, he led the NL in RBIs (125), doubles (42), extra-base hits (80), and total bases (350), and won the league's first Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game. He finished second in 1985 MVP voting. Parker was among several players who testified against a dealer in the Pittsburgh drug trials; he and six others were suspended but the sentences were commuted in exchange for community service and drug testing. After the 1987 season, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics, where he spent most of his time as a designated hitter.

He won the 1989 World Series with Oakland. He later played for the Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays, retiring after the 1991 season.

Did You Know?

He used a sledgehammer to warm up in the on-deck circle, instead of a lead-weighted bat.
After fracturing his jaw in 1978, he wore a hockey mask and later modified football helmets while playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Dave Parker win a World Series with the Pirates?

Yes, Parker was a key member of the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates team that captured the World Series championship. He was recognized as the only Pirate selected to the United Press International all-star team following that historic season.

Why is he called "the Cobra"?

He was known throughout his career by this moniker, which reflected his status as a legendary slugger. This name became synonymous with his powerful performance while playing right field for the club.

When did Dave Parker play for the Pirates?

His time with the club spanned from his debut in 1973 through the conclusion of the 1983 season. He was named the National League Most Valuable Player during this period, specifically in 1978.