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The three stages of Parker's career began when he replaced Roberto Clemente as right fielder of the Pirates. As Parker's tall frame filled out, he became an imposing hitter, capable of batting for power and average. His powerful right arm compared with Clemente's and was best shown off during the 1979 All Star-Game, when Parker cut down two runners on the bases. He won three Gold Gloves. In 1978, despite playing with a broken jaw, Parker almost single-handedly led Pittsburgh's second-half charge that fell just short of catching Philadelphia. He became the first Pirate since Clemente to earn the Most Valuable Player award. Knee and weight problems began to rob Parker of his power in 1979 and 1980. Owning a million-dollar contract, with millions more in deferred payments, Parker became a villain in Pittsburgh, the object of boos, thrown objects, and threats as the Pirates sank in the NL East.
Parker regained his status as a run-producing threat when traded to his hometown, Cincinnati, but had become a defensive liability. He was traded to the Athletics following the 1987 season and contributed to their 1988 and 1989 AL pennants as a DH and team leader.
Ultimately, Dave Parker finished his 19-year career with a career batting average of .290 with 339 home runs and 1493 RBIs, seven All Star selections, and two World Championships (1979 Pirates and 1989 A's.)
This is a Dave Parker game-used professional model baseball bat manufactured by the Hillerich & Bradsby Company. It is a signature model bat with Parker's name stamped in script on the barrel as he had an endorsement contract with the company at the time of manufacture. This bat has what is commonly referred to as 1986-89 era labeling. The Model Number M253 is stamped into barrel of this bat. The bat has a black finish and measures 35 inches in length and currently weighs approximately 33 ounces.
This bat is uncracked and exhibits a moderate amount of game use characteristics, including hit marks, ball marks, very slight grain separation, knob wear, and rack marks. This bat displays very well and represents an opportunity to obtain a great bat from the period when Dave Parker was an important member of the 1989 World Champion Oakland A's.View Lot Detail page