COOPERSTOWN, NY — A legendary career and unforgettable legacy were honored on Sunday, as Pittsburgh Pirates icon Dave Parker was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame during the 2025 induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
Parker, affectionately known as “The Cobra,” was recognized for his remarkable contributions to the game and his fierce presence on the field. His Hall of Fame plaque reads: “Superstar outfielder delivered on the confidence he brought to the ballpark, showcasing skills in every facet of the game.” His image is forever etched wearing the Pirates cap, a nod to the team he represented with passion and excellence for 11 seasons from 1973 to 1983.
Parker becomes the 45th member of the Pirates organization to be enshrined in Cooperstown. During his illustrious career with Pittsburgh, he won two National League batting titles, the 1978 National League MVP Award, and played a pivotal role in the team’s 1979 World Series Championship run.
Tragically, Parker passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 74, just weeks before his long-awaited Hall of Fame induction. In a heartfelt and emotional tribute, his son, Dave Parker II, delivered the speech his father had been working on prior to his passing.
In the address, Parker shared words meant for his beloved wife, Kellye Crockett:
“My dearest Kellye, my wife, my happy ever after, the one who, when the leaves turn brown, does everything in her power to keep me running, I love you so much, baby. Thank you for all the good things in my life.”
Parker II also read a touching poem written by his father, in which the baseball great proudly declared himself a “Pirate for life.”
The 2025 ceremony also honored the late Dick Allen, another posthumous inductee. Born in Wampum, Pennsylvania, Allen spent most of his celebrated career with the Philadelphia Phillies, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and his community.
As fans, teammates, and loved ones gathered in Cooperstown, the memory of Dave Parker lived on — a fierce competitor, a generational talent, and above all, a man who gave everything to the game and the people he loved.
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