Parker has an average at the plate of .290 for his career in baseball in addition to 1,274 scored runs and an OPS of .336. He has fanned 1,544 times and has gotten a free base on 687 attempts at the plate, which has contributed to a .339 OBP. In his career, Parker has slapped 339 baseballs out of the park while knocking in 1,496 runs. He is sitting with a career slugging percentage of -.004 and he has totaled 4,421 bases. In his time in the Majors, he stepped into the batters box 10,224 times and has reached base with a base hit 2,724 times.
This year, Parker is sitting with 2 runs, recorded 3 RBI and has 0 home runs. He has taken a base 4 times and has accumulated an on-base percentage of .400. Parker has a tally of 12 hits in 36 AB’s for an average at the plate of .333. He has fanned 7 times while accumulating 16 total bases. He has an OPS of 0.844 as well as a slugging percentage of .444.
| Year | Team | BA | HR | H | BB | R | RBI | OBP | PA | AB | OPS | OPS+ | 2B | 3B | G | SLG | SB | CS | TB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | .290 | 339 | 2,712 | 683 | 1,272 | 1,493 | .339 | 10,184 | 9,358 | .810 | 121 | 526 | 75 | 2,466 | .471 | 154 | 113 | 4,405 | 1,537 | |
| 1991 | TOT | .239 | 11 | 120 | 33 | 47 | 59 | .288 | 541 | 502 | .653 | 81 | 26 | 2 | 132 | .365 | 3 | 3 | 183 | 98 |
| 1991 | CAL | .232 | 11 | 108 | 29 | 45 | 56 | .279 | 501 | 466 | .638 | 76 | 22 | 2 | 119 | .358 | 3 | 2 | 167 | 91 |
| 1991 | TOR | .333 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 3 | .400 | 40 | 36 | .844 | 130 | 4 | 0 | 13 | .444 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 7 |
| 1990 | MIL | .289 | 21 | 176 | 41 | 71 | 92 | .330 | 669 | 610 | .781 | 118 | 30 | 3 | 157 | .451 | 4 | 7 | 275 | 102 |
| 1989 | OAK | .264 | 22 | 146 | 38 | 56 | 97 | .308 | 600 | 553 | .741 | 110 | 27 | 0 | 144 | .432 | 0 | 0 | 239 | 91 |
| 1988 | OAK | .257 | 12 | 97 | 32 | 43 | 55 | .314 | 411 | 377 | .720 | 103 | 18 | 1 | 101 | .406 | 0 | 1 | 153 | 70 |
| 1987 | CIN | .253 | 26 | 149 | 44 | 77 | 97 | .311 | 647 | 589 | .744 | 92 | 28 | 0 | 153 | .433 | 7 | 3 | 255 | 104 |
| 1986 | CIN | .273 | 31 | 174 | 56 | 89 | 116 | .330 | 700 | 637 | .807 | 117 | 31 | 3 | 162 | .477 | 1 | 6 | 304 | 126 |
| 1985 | CIN | .312 | 34 | 198 | 52 | 88 | 125 | .365 | 694 | 635 | .916 | 149 | 42 | 4 | 160 | .551 | 5 | 13 | 350 | 80 |
| 1984 | CIN | .285 | 16 | 173 | 41 | 73 | 94 | .328 | 655 | 607 | .738 | 104 | 28 | 0 | 156 | .410 | 11 | 10 | 249 | 89 |
| 1983 | PIT | .279 | 12 | 154 | 28 | 68 | 69 | .311 | 586 | 552 | .722 | 97 | 29 | 4 | 144 | .411 | 12 | 9 | 227 | 89 |
| 1982 | PIT | .270 | 6 | 66 | 22 | 41 | 29 | .330 | 270 | 244 | .776 | 113 | 19 | 3 | 73 | .447 | 7 | 5 | 109 | 45 |
| 1981 | PIT | .258 | 9 | 62 | 9 | 29 | 48 | .287 | 254 | 240 | .742 | 105 | 14 | 3 | 67 | .454 | 6 | 2 | 109 | 25 |
| 1980 | PIT | .295 | 17 | 153 | 25 | 71 | 79 | .327 | 550 | 518 | .785 | 115 | 31 | 1 | 139 | .458 | 10 | 7 | 237 | 69 |
| 1979 | PIT | .310 | 25 | 193 | 67 | 109 | 94 | .380 | 707 | 622 | .906 | 141 | 45 | 7 | 158 | .526 | 20 | 4 | 327 | 101 |
| 1978 | PIT | .334 | 30 | 194 | 57 | 102 | 117 | .394 | 642 | 581 | .979 | 166 | 32 | 12 | 148 | .585 | 20 | 7 | 340 | 92 |
| 1977 | PIT | .338 | 21 | 215 | 58 | 107 | 88 | .397 | 706 | 637 | .927 | 145 | 44 | 8 | 159 | .531 | 17 | 19 | 338 | 107 |
| 1976 | PIT | .313 | 13 | 168 | 30 | 82 | 90 | .349 | 573 | 537 | .824 | 133 | 28 | 10 | 138 | .475 | 19 | 7 | 255 | 80 |
| 1975 | PIT | .308 | 25 | 172 | 38 | 75 | 101 | .357 | 602 | 558 | .898 | 150 | 35 | 10 | 148 | .541 | 8 | 6 | 302 | 89 |
| 1974 | PIT | .282 | 4 | 62 | 10 | 27 | 29 | .322 | 233 | 220 | .731 | 108 | 10 | 3 | 73 | .409 | 3 | 3 | 90 | 53 |
| 1973 | PIT | .288 | 4 | 40 | 2 | 17 | 14 | .308 | 144 | 139 | .761 | 111 | 9 | 1 | 54 | .453 | 1 | 1 | 63 | 27 |
Dave Parker, a name synonymous with power and excellence on the baseball field, is one of the most celebrated figures in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Known for his exceptional skills, Parker left an indelible mark on the sport and paved the way for future generations of players. Let’s delve into the life and career of this remarkable athlete and explore why he is a candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Born on June 9, 1951, in Calhoun, Mississippi, Parker grew up with a love for baseball. His family moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended Courter Tech High School. Parker’s talent for baseball was evident from a young age, and he quickly gained recognition for his prowess on the field. His journey to professional baseball began when the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him as an amateur free agent in 1970.
The Pittsburgh Pirates Era
Parker made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1973. Over the next few years, he established himself as one of the most formidable players in the league. Nicknamed “The Cobra” for his lethal combination of power and precision, Parker’s performance on the field was nothing short of spectacular.
In 1978, Parker won the National League MVP award, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the team. He led the league in batting average and slugging percentage, showcasing his exceptional hitting abilities. Parker’s impressive stats during his time with the Pirates included a batting average of .305, along with 166 home runs and 758 RBIs.
Achievements and Accolades
World Series Champion
One of the highlights of Parker’s career came in 1979 when the Pittsburgh Pirates won the World Series. Parker played a crucial role in the team’s victory, delivering key hits and displaying his defensive prowess in right field. His performance during the series earned him a spot in the hearts of Pirates fans and solidified his status as a baseball legend.
All-Star Appearances and Gold Gloves
Throughout his career, Parker was selected to seven All-Star games, representing the best of the best in MLB. His excellence in the outfield did not go unnoticed, as he won three Gold Glove Awards for his defensive skills. Parker’s ability to make incredible catches and powerful throws from the outfield made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
Later Career and Teams
After his successful stint with the Pirates, Parker continued to make an impact in the MLB. He played for several other teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Cincinnati Reds and Beyond
With the Cincinnati Reds, Parker returned to his hometown and continued to shine. He was named the National League Comeback Player of the Year in 1985, proving that he still had the skills and determination to compete at the highest level. During his tenure with the Reds, Parker’s stats remained impressive, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Parker’s time with the Oakland Athletics in the late 1980s was equally notable. He helped the team win the American League pennant in 1988 and 1989, further cementing his legacy as a clutch performer in crucial games.
The Case for the Baseball Hall of Fame
Despite his remarkable career, Dave Parker has yet to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Many fans and analysts argue that his contributions to the game, both on and off the field, make him a deserving candidate. Parker’s impact extends beyond his impressive stats; he was a trailblazer for African American players and served as a mentor to younger athletes.
Statistical Achievements
Parker’s career statistics speak volumes about his talent and consistency. Over his 19-year career, he amassed 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs. His lifetime batting average of .290 reflects his prowess as a hitter, and his ability to perform under pressure was evident throughout his career.
Leadership and Legacy
Beyond the numbers, Parker’s leadership qualities and influence on the game are undeniable. He was known for his infectious enthusiasm and ability to inspire his teammates. Parker’s contributions to baseball extended beyond the field, as he was actively involved in community outreach and charity work throughout his career.
Life After Baseball
Since retiring from professional baseball in 1991, Parker has remained active in various capacities. He has worked as a coach and mentor, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring athletes. Parker has also been involved in charitable endeavors, using his platform to give back to the community.
Health Challenges
In recent years, Parker has faced significant health challenges, including a battle with Parkinson’s disease. Despite these difficulties, he continues to inspire others with his resilience and determination.
Conclusion
Dave Parker’s legacy in Major League Baseball is marked by his exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication to the sport. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, make him a worthy candidate for the Baseball Hall of Fame. As fans and fellow players continue to advocate for his induction, Parker’s impact on baseball history remains undeniable. As we celebrate his achievements and remember his incredible career, we recognize that Dave Parker’s influence on the game will be felt for generations to come.
