Cincinnati native, Reds Hall of Famer Dave Parker dies after long battle with Parkinson's disease

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati native and former Reds player Dave Parker has died at the age of 74.

Parker's death was announced inside Great American Ball Park and during the broadcast of Saturday's game between the Reds and the San Diego Padres.

The Cincinnati native is most known for his years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he played for the Reds from 1984 through 1987, where he was a two-time all-star. He was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2014.

Hear from Reds fans who learned of Parker's death at Great American Ball Park:

In a press release, the Reds said Parker died "due to complications from a long illness." Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012.

Learn more about Parker's battle with the disease in the video below:

"Dave was a towering figure on the field, in the clubhouse and in the Cincinnati community where his baseball journey began, playing on the fields near his home and going to games at Crosley Field," the Cincinnati Reds wrote on social media.

The baseball great, known as "the Cobra," is set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27. Parker, a 1970 Courter Tech High School graduate, was one of eight finalists considered on the ballot.

"We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker. His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field," said Jane Forbes Clark, chairman of the Baseball Hall of Fame, in a statement. "His election to the Hall of Fame in December brought great joy to him, his family and all the fans who marveled at his remarkable abilities. We will honor his incredible life and career at next month's Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, where his legacy will be remembered forever."

Major League Baseball posted to social media, saying, "'The Cobra' was one of the fiercest hitters of his generation."

The Pirates also acknowledged Parker's death on social media, saying, "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker."

The right-fielder and designated hitter hit .290 over a 19-year major league career. He hit 339 home runs and won two batting titles. The 1978 National League Most Valuable Player was named to seven Major League Baseball All-Star games. He won three Gold Glove Awards in right field.

Parker retired as one of only five players with at least 500 doubles, 300 home runs, 150 steals and 2,700 hits, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Parker, a 2012 inductee of the Cincinnati Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame, lived on Borden Street during his childhood. In 2023, Parker had a street named after him in South Cumminsville.

Football was Parker's first love. If he hadn’t torn up his knee, he may have taken a football scholarship to Ohio State instead of signing with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was drafted in the 14th round by the Pirates in 1970.

Parker is also a 1978 Buddy LaRosa’s High School Sports Hall of Fame inductee.