Just weeks away from the crowning moment of his baseball journey, the league lost one of its most iconic figures. Dave “The Cobra” Parker, the powerful and charismatic outfielder, has passed away at the age of 74, the Pirates announced Saturday.

Parker was set to be inducted into the HOF on July 27! A long-awaited honor that fans, teammates, and legends alike had been anticipating with great joy. The entire baseball community was praying that Parker’s health would allow him to make that final, triumphant trip to Cooperstown. But those prayers went unanswered.

The news has cast a heavy shadow over the baseball world, with outpouring tributes from fellow greats. And for Pittsburgh, it’s more than just the loss of a former MVP and World Series champion, but a decorated legacy. And here everyone is bidding one final adieu to The Cobra.

“Rest in peace to the “Cobra” – a World Champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the most stylish guys to ever play. My deepest condolences to his family,” Alex Rodriguez shared over his X account.

Well, Parker was the perfect balance of style, charisma, and swagger during his playing days. His old footage shows the way he carried himself on the field. And how he interacted with fans and media, a presence that was larger than life. Long before the modern era of bat flips and personal flair, Parker was showing the baseball world that swagger and substance could go hand in hand.

“RIP Cobra,” former HOFer Gary Carter shared.

The on-field journey of Parker started back in 1973 and continued for a remarkable 19 years. And 11 of those seasons were spent as a cornerstone of the Pirates. He was at his prime in 1978 when he was named the NL MVP, and just a year later, helped lead the Pirates to a World Series title.

Parker later grabbed another championship ring in 1989 as a key veteran presence with the A’s. Eventually, by the time he hung up his cleats in 1991, Parker was a 7x All-Star and a 3x Gold Glove winner. That time, he was only the fifth player in MLB history to notch at least 500 doubles, 300 home runs, 150 SBs, and 2,700 hits.

But just when Parker was about to get recognized for his decorated career, fate brought something else.

Power, speed, and defense are what defined Dave Parker

In his 19-year career, Parker was not only about figures, but also sheer power.

For instance, his throw at the 1979 All-Star Game in Seattle was no less than a cannon! In the 8th inning, he unleashed a laser throw from right field to home plate, gunning down Brian Downing. The shot was pinpoint and power-packed, leaving fans and players stunned. That night sealed Parker’s reputation as having one of the best outfield arms in baseball history.

And the 1978 Season! Long before the likes of Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge made hitting home runs look easy, it was Dave Parker. That season, Parker hit .334 with 30 home runs, 117 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. And there he became the first Pirate to win the NL MVP since Roberto Clemente!

That award came after sacrificing a few bloods. Reportedly, Parker played through pain, most notably after fracturing his jaw. However, he returned to action with a custom-made face guard, continuing to rake at the plate.

Apart from his on-field brilliance, Parker made his mark off the field, too. He became an inspirational figure within the Parkinson’s community. Rather than hiding his condition, he instead embraced it and encouraged others to speak up, stay active, and push for awareness and research!

Now, a well-accounted story has come to an end, just when the community thought to give him back. But “The Cobra” will always remain one of the most iconic and larger-than-life figures in MLB. Rest in peace, legend!