Patience Is a Virtue for Dave Parker
Former Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Joe L. Brown certainly had an eye for baseball talent. Perhaps his most diamond in the rough discovery was Dave Parker, who he selected, in the 14th round of the 1970 MLB Draft.
Affectionately nicknamed “The Cobra”, Parker accomplished great things, while with the Pirates, including four All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves, two batting titles, and the recipient of the 1978 National League MVP.
Following the 1983 season, the Cincinnati Reds would sign Parker to a five-year deal. In four seasons with the Reds, he was a two-time All-Star.
10 years after winning his first World Series championship with the Pirates, Parker was a member of the 1989 Oakland Athletics’ World Series team.
In 1990, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Parker as their designated hitter. He would be an All-Star for a seventh and final time.
Parker would retire, following the 1991 season. The lefty-hitting slugger compiled 2,712 hits, 526 doubles, 339 home runs, 1,493 RBI, and a 121 OPS+.
Despite a great career, Parker was not able to obtain the 75% voting threshold necessary for induction during his 15 years on the ballot.
While some would argue Parker’s numbers being borderline, others would say that his involvement in the mid-80’s Pittsburgh drug trials was a main reason, for him not getting in.
On Sunday night at the Winter Meetings in Dallas, it was announced that Parker, along with the late Dick Allen, would be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Classic Baseball Era Committee.
Parker’s induction makes him the 13th Pittsburgh Pirates player to become a Hall of Famer.
It’s been a long time coming, for the 73-year-old Parker, who is dealing with Parkinson’s Disease. Although it’s been heartbreaking seeing Parker in his current state, it’ll at least be an opportunity for him to experience his rightful spot in Cooperstown.