The Toronto Blue Jays join the baseball community in mourning the loss of the legendary Dave Parker. “The Cobra” finished his Hall of Fame career with Toronto in 1991. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time…..
Toronto, June 30, 2025 — The Toronto Blue Jays, along with the entire Major League Baseball community, are mourning the loss of a true legend of the game, Dave “The Cobra” Parker, who passed away earlier this week. Parker, a seven-time All-Star and former National League MVP, was not only one of the most feared hitters of his era but also a charismatic personality who left a lasting legacy in the sport. He was 74 years old.
Parker concluded his 19-year Major League career with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1991, bringing his trademark swagger and leadership to a rising team. Although his time with the Blue Jays was brief, his impact was unmistakable, particularly on younger players who looked up to him as both a competitor and a mentor.
“The Cobra” was renowned for his powerful bat, cannon-like arm in right field, and his ability to change the momentum of a game in an instant. Over the course of his illustrious career, he amassed 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs. Parker’s career began in 1973 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he quickly became a fan favorite. He won two batting titles and helped lead the Pirates to a World Series championship in 1979. His performance in the World Series — hitting .345 with multiple crucial RBIs — earned him lasting recognition as one of the postseason’s most clutch performers.
In 1978, Parker won the National League Most Valuable Player award, capping off a season in which he batted .334 with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs. His intimidating presence at the plate and his rocket arm from the outfield made him one of the most complete players of his generation.
Following his years in Pittsburgh, Parker played for several teams including the Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, and Milwaukee Brewers. He was instrumental in the Athletics’ 1989 World Series championship, proving that even late in his career, he remained a force to be reckoned with.
Though his final Major League stop with the Blue Jays came in the twilight of his career, his influence was tangible. The 1991 Blue Jays were beginning to blossom into the powerhouse that would go on to win back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. Parker’s experience and presence in the clubhouse helped set the tone for the professionalism and confidence that would soon define the franchise.
The Blue Jays released a heartfelt statement, saying, “The Toronto Blue Jays join the baseball community in mourning the loss of the legendary Dave Parker. ‘The Cobra’ finished his Hall of Fame career with Toronto in 1991. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time.”
Parker’s contributions to the game extended beyond the diamond. He was a trailblazer for African American players in the 1970s and ’80s, and he never shied away from standing up for what he believed in. He was also a mentor to countless players, offering guidance not only about baseball but about life after the game.
In recent years, Parker had bravely battled Parkinson’s disease, a fight he faced with the same courage and resolve that defined his playing days. In 2021, he published a memoir titled Cobra: A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood, where he candidly shared stories from his career, his challenges, and his love for the game.
The baseball world has lost a titan — a man whose talent, charisma, and spirit will not be forgotten. Tributes from around the league have poured in, with former teammates, fans, and players offering their condolences and sharing memories of one of baseball’s most electrifying figures.
Dave Parker is survived by his wife, Kellye, and their children. Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. The Blue Jays are expected to honor Parker with a moment of silence before their next home game at Rogers Centre.