COOPERSTOWN, New York — Former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Dave Parker’s son shared a poem written by his late father, during Parker’s posthumous induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Sunday.
“Pops wanted me to leave everyone with this poem that he wrote, that he gave me a long time ago,” said Dave Parker II during the ceremony in Cooperstown, New York. “And he said that if he ever made it here to read it.”
Dave Parker II reads a poem that his late father wrote for his @BaseballHall induction! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/xsE3BlYsvM
— MLB (@MLB) July 27, 2025
Nicknamed “the Cobra,” Parker spent 11 seasons with the Pirates and was part of the 1979 World Series-winning team. He was with the team from 1973-1983.
Parker died June 28 at the age of 74.
In the poem, Parker shared his love for the Pirates, which he called “my family.” He expressed gratitude for his supporters, including friends and relatives.
“I’m him. Period. The Cobra,” Parker wrote. “Known for my rocket arm, and I will run any catcher over. To my friends, family, I love y’all. Thanks for staying by my side. I told y’all Cooperstown would be my last ride, so the star of David will be in the sky tonight. Watch it glow. But I didn’t lie. In my documentary, I told y’all I wouldn’t show.”
The poem, filled with humorous remarks, drew laughs from the crowd.
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