The Cincinnati Reds extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Reds Hall of Famer Dave Parker, who passed away earlier today in Cincinnati due to complications from a long illness. He was 74.
Parker grew up in Cincinnati near Crosley Field and attended Courter Tech High School, where he starred on the school's football, basketball and baseball teams.
After 11 standout seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates - with whom he won a World Series, a National League MVP award, multiple Gold Gloves, and 2 batting titles - the "Cobra" signed with Cincinnati as a free agent in December 1983.
He played 4 seasons with the Reds from 1984-87, compiling a .281 batting average, 107 home runs, and 432 RBI. During that time, he was a 2-time All-Star and 2-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
Following his time in Cincinnati, Parker went on to play in parts of 5 more Major League seasons with Oakland, Milwaukee, California, and Toronto.
He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2014, and this past December was selected for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His enshrinement is scheduled for July 27.
"We are heartbroken by the passing of Dave Parker," said Bob Castellini, Reds principal owner and managing partner. Dave was a towering figure on the field, in the clubhouse, and in the Cincinnati community where his baseball journey began, playing on the fields near his home and going to games at Crosley Field. Dave's impact on the game and on this franchise will never be forgotten. We are extremely proud he wore a Reds uniform as part of his Hall of Fame career. Our thoughts are with his family and all who loved him."
