The Cobra, Dave Parker Of The Pirates Dead At 74:

Dave Parker, the seven-time All-Star and former National League MVP who was recently elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, has died at age 74, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Saturday.

“Dave Parker was a gifted all-around player whose numerous accomplishments led to his upcoming induction in Cooperstown this summer,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He was a World Series Champion with the 1979 Pirates and the 1989 Athletics, a beloved All-Star Red in his hometown of Cincinnati, and an All-Star in Milwaukee. Dave was also a three-time Gold Glover on the strength of his famous arm, a two-time batting champion, and the winner of the inaugural Home Run Derby in 1985.”

“All of us throughout the game are deeply saddened by this loss. We will remember the Cobra forever, especially as his name soon officially joins the legends of our National Pastime. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my sympathy to Dave’s family and his fans across the game.” The Pirates also honored him before their Saturday home game against the New York Mets.