Baseball legend Dave Parker, known as "the Cobra" for his fierce playing style, has passed away at 74. The Pittsburgh Pirates shared the news Saturday, just weeks before he was scheduled to be honored with a Hall of Fame induction—a bittersweet twist for fans who’d waited years to see him recognized.

Editor’s Note: Parker was one of those larger-than-life figures who defined an era of baseball—powerful at the plate, charismatic off the field, and a key part of the Pirates' 1979 World Series win. His death, right before his long-overdue Hall of Fame moment, feels like a missed chance to celebrate him while he could still hear the applause. For baseball fans, it’s a reminder of how fleeting time can be, even for legends.

Baseball legend Dave Parker, known for his powerhouse hitting and charismatic presence on the field, has passed away at 74. The Pittsburgh Pirates confirmed the news Saturday, just weeks before he was scheduled to be inducted into the Hall of Fame—a bittersweet twist for fans who’d long championed his career.

Editor’s Note: Parker’s death is a gut punch for the sports world, especially coming so close to what should’ve been a crowning moment. His legacy—from his MVP seasons to his role in the iconic 1979 "We Are Family" Pirates—cements him as one of the game’s most electrifying players. It’s a reminder of how fleeting time is, even for legends.

Baseball legend Dave Parker, a powerhouse hitter and fan favorite known as "The Cobra," has passed away, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced. Parker was a two-time World Series champ, the 1978 National League MVP, and was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer—a bittersweet honor now arriving posthumously.

Editor’s Note: Parker was one of those rare players who combined sheer talent with unforgettable charisma, leaving a mark on the game that went beyond stats. His death is a loss for baseball, especially for Pirates fans who remember his golden era in the '70s. The Hall of Fame induction adds a layer of poignancy—it’s a celebration of his career, but also a reminder of how much the sport has lost.