How did Dave Parker die? Revisiting the MLB star's cause of death before Baseball Hall of Fame induction

Dave Parker's contributions to baseball will soon be immortalized in Cooperstown.

The longtime Pirates outfielder, a two-time World Series champion and seven-time All-Star, was elected to the 2025 Hall of Fame class via the Classic Baseball Era Committee.

Parker's accomplishments will be highlighted on a national stage over Hall of Fame weekend. He's already been inducted into the Reds' and Pirates' team Halls of Fame. However, just weeks before Parker was set to appear in Cooperstown for his ceremony, he died at age 74.

Here's what to know about Parker's cause of death, along with his career stats, as he joins baseball glory in Cooperstown.

MORE: Complete list of every Home Run Derby winner by year

How did Dave Parker die?

Parker died from complications of Parkinson's disease on June 28, 2025. He was first diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012. 

Throughout Parker's battle with Parkinson's, he was cared for by his wife, Kellye. When Parker returned to Pittsburgh for a 40-year anniversary of the team's 1979 title in 2019, he received a standing ovation.

“I almost cried,” Parker said in 2019, per MLB.com. “That’s something I try not to do, but that brought tears to my eyes.”

Parker aided in raising money to find a cure for Parkinson's through his organization, the Dave Parker 39 Foundation, telling MLB.com in 2017 that the disease is "a heck of a thing to deal with."

Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark said after Parker's death in June 2025 that the Hall of Fame would "honor his incredible life and career at next month’s Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, where his legacy will be remembered forever.”

The Pirates and team owner Bob Nutting also released a statement following Parker's death, highlighting the career of the former star nicknamed "The Cobra."

"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dave Parker. A beloved member of the Pirates family, ‘The Cobra’ was one of the most dominating and intimidating players to ever wear a Pirates uniform,” Nutting said in a statement. “All of us who grew up in the ‘70s remember how special Dave was. He was an All-Star, a Gold Glover, a batting champion, a National League MVP and a critical part of the 1979 Pirates World Series Championship team. It was our honor to welcome Dave and his family back to Pittsburgh to celebrate his career as part of the inaugural class of the Pirates Hall of Fame.

“He had a big personality and his passing has left an even bigger void with all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Kellye, and his family.”

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker.

A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award and a World Series Championship in 1979.

The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame… pic.twitter.com/UuikGxw6dI

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 28, 2025

MORE: MLB world mourns passing of Dave Parker

Dave Parker career stats

Parker won two NL batting titles in his career, also claiming the 1978 NL MVP award. He was the first American athlete to earn an average of $1 million per year on a contract after signing a five-year, $5 million deal in 1979, and he also won MLB's first Home Run Derby in 1985.

Here's a full look at Parker's career numbers:

MORE: Every MLB All-Star Game MVP by year

Dave Parker's All-Star throws

While his bat was elite, Parker was also known as a superb defensive outfielder. Between 1975 and 1979 alone, he threw out a total of 72 baserunners.

His two most famous throws from the outfield came in the 1979 All-Star Game, which earned him MVP honors. The first one came in the seventh inning. Parker initially lost the ball in the roof of Seattle's stadium, allowing it to drop for a hit in right field.

But upon tracking the ball down, Parker fired a long throw to third base, on-target enough to get Jim Rice out.

In the eighth inning, Parker had arguably an even better throw, fielding the ball in right then launching a strike to catcher Gary Carter, who laid on a quick tag to get the runner at the plate and save a potential tie-breaking run.

The NL went on to win the Midsummer Classic 7-6, and Parker was named MVP. He also went 1-3 at the plate and drove in a run, but Parker's honor was largely given because of his defensive efforts.

“I loved throwing out runners,” Parker said in 2024, per The Athletic. “And if they kept running, I would hit him in the back of the head with the ball.”