David Gene Parker, nicknamed "the Cobra," was a prominent American baseball player. His career spanned from 1973 to 1991 in Major League Baseball, where he played as a right fielder. A seven-time All-Star and two-time National League batting title winner, Parker achieved the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1978. Notably, he contributed to two World Series championship teams: the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 and the Oakland Athletics in 1989.
June 9, 1951: Birth of David Gene Parker
David Gene Parker, nicknamed "the Cobra," was born on June 9, 1951.
July 12, 1973: Major League Debut with the Pirates
Dave Parker began his major league career on July 12, 1973, with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1973: Major League Debut
Dave Parker made his Major League Baseball debut in 1973.
1975: Strong Defensive Performance
From 1975 to 1979, Dave Parker showcased his defensive skills by throwing out 72 runners, including a notable 26 in 1977.
1975: First Full Season and Slugging Title
In 1975, Dave Parker played his first full season in the major leagues and led the National League in slugging percentage.
1977: National League Batting Champion
Dave Parker won the National League batting title in 1977.
1977: High Number of Runners Thrown Out
In 1977, Dave Parker threw out 26 runners, highlighting his exceptional defensive abilities.
June 30, 1978: Collision and Jaw Fracture
On June 30, 1978, Dave Parker fractured his jaw and cheekbone in a collision at home plate with John Stearns.
1978: Reference to 1978 MVP Award
This entry references Dave Parker's 1978 MVP award, marking it as a significant achievement in his career.
1978: National League MVP Award
Dave Parker won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1978.
January 1979: Million-Dollar Contract
In January 1979, Dave Parker signed a five-year, $5 million contract, making him one of the first professional athletes to earn an average of $1 million per year.
1979: First World Series Championship
Dave Parker won his first World Series championship with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979.
1979: "Knocked the Cover Off the Ball"
During a game in 1979, Dave Parker hit the ball so hard that he "knocked the cover off the ball."
1981: Recognition in "The 100 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time"
In 1981, Dave Parker was included in Lawrence Ritter and Donald Honig's book "The 100 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time."
1983: End of Pirates Tenure
Dave Parker played for the Pittsburgh Pirates until 1983.
1983: Signs with Cincinnati Reds
Dave Parker signed with the Cincinnati Reds after becoming a free agent in 1983.
1985: Resurgence with the Reds
In 1985, Dave Parker had a strong season with the Reds, leading the National League in RBIs, doubles, extra-base hits, and total bases. He also won the Home Run Derby.
1987: Trade to Oakland Athletics
Dave Parker was traded to the Oakland Athletics in 1987.
1988: Playing as Designated Hitter
In 1988, Dave Parker played primarily as a designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics.
1989: Second World Series Championship
Dave Parker won his second World Series championship with the Oakland Athletics in 1989.
1989: Second World Series Title with Oakland A's
In 1989, Dave Parker won his second World Series title, this time with the Oakland Athletics.
1991: Final Season and Brief Stint with Blue Jays
Dave Parker played his final season in 1991, playing for the California Angels and briefly for the Toronto Blue Jays before retiring.
1991: Retirement from Baseball
Dave Parker retired from professional baseball in 1991.
1998: Coaching Roles
Dave Parker served as a coach for the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals.
2011: Hall of Fame Eligibility Exhausted
Dave Parker's eligibility for the Baseball Hall of Fame through the Baseball Writers' Association of America vote was exhausted in 2011.
2012: Sells Popeyes Franchises
Dave Parker sold his Popeyes Chicken franchises in Cincinnati in 2012 after owning them for 25 years.
2012: Induction into Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame
In 2012, Dave Parker was inducted into the Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame.
2013: Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
In 2013, Dave Parker confirmed his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.
2014: Induction into Reds Hall of Fame
Dave Parker was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2014.
September 3, 2022: Induction into Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame
On September 3, 2022, Dave Parker was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame.
December 8, 2024: Election to Hall of Fame by Classic Baseball Era Committee
On December 8, 2024, Dave Parker was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.
July 27, 2025: Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Dave Parker will be formally inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025.
2025: Baseball Hall of Fame Induction
Dave Parker is set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025.