The last inning of “The Cobra” was on June 28, and the entire PNC Park was quiet. Dave Parker, who was 74 years old, passed away after a long and difficult fight with Parkinson’s disease. And a player who now wears his jersey has asked for a memorial that fits his legacy from the dugout.
The legendary Parker took his last bow just one month before he was set to enter Cooperstown. He left a huge mark, even though he didn’t live to see the Hall of Fame. It’s not often that a player requests not to wear a number that a great player wore. And that’s precisely what Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales expressed.
Gonzales dons the same jersey No.39 that Parker once wore. Following the 9-2 victory over the Mets, he stepped forward with a heartfelt plan to honor the legend. “Personally, I think it should be retired. I think I should get a new number, honestly… It’s an honor just to wear it on my back.” He believes, as a legend, Parker deserves more than just recognition—he deserves a retired jersey as a lifelong legacy.
Gonzales has quietly become a significant player for the Pirates in 2025. He hit a two-run home run on Opening Day, but a broken bone kept him out until late May. His return in early June made headlines as he hit three singles and two doubles against Milwaukee on June 24, his first five-hit game. This season, he has hit .289/.333/.797 with 3 home runs and 11 RBIs. He is becoming a cornerstone player wearing that No. 39. Let’s look back at who sparked that rise in that number.
From 1973 to 1983, Pirates legend Parker played 11 seasons. He won the 1977 and 1978 NL hitting titles and was named MVP in 1978. A seven-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner. He was the greatest that year, hitting .334/.394/.585 with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs.
Parker’s .341 batting average and six RBIs helped the Pirates win the 1979 World Series. He won the MVP title by throwing out two runners from right field to end the All-Star Game that summer. He also knocked down barriers behind the scenes. Additionally, he was one of the first million-dollar-a-year athletes after signing a five-year, $5 million contract in 1979.
Parker led the Pirates’ revival beyond numbers. His ferocious play, quick arm, and fan loyalty shaped a generation. And when the MLB fraternity heard of it all, they had love and respect for him.
Beloved beyond Pirates: The wide-reaching legacy of Dave ‘The Cobra’ Parker
Dave ‘The Cobra’ Parker was more than just aggressive on the field—he was beloved in every clubhouse he touched. Bob Nightengale shared that Parker “prayed to live one more month” so he could see the Hall of Fame induction. This shows how much the event meant to him. His death made everyone sad, including teammates, supporters, and opponents.
Credit: Associated Press
People throughout the league praised Parker’s kindness and leadership. Barry Larkin, who used to play with the Reds, said he was “such a big dude… Everything about him was impressive,” a nod to Parker’s big personality and presence. Eric Davis, who used to play for the Reds, said that Parker “probably had more of an effect on young players than any player I’ve ever been around.”
Nightengale expressed what many fans felt when he wrote, “I loved him, and so did all blessed to know him.” This showed that Parker’s impact went far beyond Pittsburgh’s outfield. His charm went across borders; it brought people together, connected different times, and elevated his teammates. As condolences came in from all over, from MLB teams to taverns in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, it became evident that Parker was baseball royalty.
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