Baseball legend Dave Parker’s battle with Parkinson’s disease continues, and he is still on board to live his life around baseball. He will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025.
Dave Parker, aka ‘the Cobra,’ was the youngest child among six siblings with athletic roots running within the family.
The retired baseball superstar’s career spanned from 1973 to 1991. He became a seven-time ALL-Star, won two National League Batting Titles, and even became the 1978 National League Most Valuable Player.
He retired with impressive career statistics: 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and a .290 batting average. However, life wouldn’t be easy for Dave after the retirement.
In 2012, Parker began experiencing tremors in his hands, and it led to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
However, after the diagnosis, he founded an organization by his name and became an advocate for Parkinson’s awareness.
Retired Pirates Right Fielder’s Parkinson’s Diagnosis Began After Noticing Tremor In Hand In 2013
Dave is a celebrated former MLB player, winning multiple awards and accolades throughout his career.
After retiring from baseball in 1991, Parker faced a new challenge: a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Approximately twelve years ago, he began to experience subtle symptoms, starting with a tremor in his right hand.
Initially, the athlete did not recognize the significance of this tremor, but his family and physician noted the change.
As time progressed, he experienced increased difficulty with walking and maintaining balance. Then, he exchanged his experience with Dr. Andrew Duker.
Dr. Duker is a neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute.
Though the former MLB player was taking things lightly when doctors explained the disorder, he found things away from his control.
However, his approach to his condition was extremely calm. He likens his situation to being in a critical moment during a game, “like a 3-2 count in the ninth inning.”
After his treatment began, Parker publicly disclosed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. He openly talked about it only after a year, in June 2013.
He confirmed to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he had been diagnosed in February 2012.
In his statement, Parker expressed a positive outlook on life despite the diagnosis, stating, “There’s no fear… I have nothing to feel bad about.”
Despite the issues early on, the former MLB star’s condition has fluctuated over the years.
He has described experiencing both good and bad days. Some symptoms are less noticeable, and others are more pronounced.
Parker Continues To Live Around Baseball
In 2024, despite facing the challenges associated with Parkinson’s, Dave Parker remained active and engaged in various initiatives.
He continued his commitment to raising awareness and funds for illness research through his foundation.
The Dave Parker 39 Foundation aims to support those affected by the disease and contribute to finding a cure. It reflects the athlete’s journey since his diagnosis in 2013.
In December 2024, Parker was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Classic Baseball Era Committee elected him with a significant 87.5% of the vote.
The whole Parker family is preparing for his upcoming induction ceremony scheduled for July 27, 2025.
Despite the physical setback, he continues to leverage his platform to mentor younger players and engage with fans.
Aside from Parkinson’s challenges, he faced several injuries during his playing days. People even believe that his illness might be an after-effect of a history of head injury or trauma.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Instead of using a traditional weighted bat, he warmed up with a sledgehammer to warm up.
- Parker was a key figure in the Pittsburgh drug trials during the early 1980s.
- In January 1979, Parker was one of the first professional athletes to earn an average of $1 million per year.
