Dave Parker, 2-time World Series champ, 7-time All-Star, dies - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — Dave Parker, a hard-hitting outfielder who was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month, has died, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced Saturday. He was 74.

No further details about Parker's death were immediately available. The Pirates informed the crowd of his death just before the start of their game against the New York Mets and held a moment of silence.

«We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker, a legendary Pirate,» a portion of Pirates chairman Bob Nutting's statement read.

«He had a big personality and his passing has left an even bigger void with all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his wife, Kellye, and his family.»

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Dave Parker.

A legendary Pirate, Parker spent 11 years in a Pirates uniform, winning 2 batting titles, an MVP award and a World Series Championship in 1979.

The Cobra was part of the inaugural Pirates Hall of Fame… pic.twitter.com/UuikGxw6dI

Nicknamed «the Cobra,» the 6-foot-5 Parker made his major league debut in 1973 and played 19 seasons, 11 for the Pirates. He was the NL MVP in 1978, won a World Series with Pittsburgh a year later and then won another championship in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics.

Parker won NL batting titles in 1977 and 1978. He finished his career as a .290 hitter with 339 homers and 1,493 RBIs. He also played for Cincinnati, Milwaukee, the California Angels and Toronto.

«All of us throughout the game are deeply saddened by this loss,» MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. «We will remember the Cobra forever, especially as his name soon officially joins the legends of our National Pastime. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my