Sayonara Salute: The Cobra

There are moments in your life when you stop what you're doing and reminisce.  That's what happened a few hours ago when Ryan (@ SumoMenkoMan) texted me about Dave Parker passing away.

The Cobra was one of those players from my childhood that stood out to me, because he was such a dominating player.  He had won two batting titles, a World Series ring, a NL MVP Award, and an All-Star Game MVP Award before I opened my first pack of cards.  Luckily I was a baseball fan long before I became a baseball card collector.

However being a baseball card blogger, it's probably a good idea to show off some cards.  So here are some of my favorite Dave Parker cards...

1976 Topps #185

This card captures Parker's swing (and gold chain) on one of my favorite Topps flagship designs.

Let's check out some oddball issues:

1981 Topps Squirt #10

Did you know that he once hit a home run out of Wrigley?

1981 Kellogg's #13

I have a few Kellogg's cards of Parker, but the bright yellow border of the 1981 set compliments Parker's black uniform.

In an effort to squeeze a card of Parker from his days with the Oakland Athletics, here's a box bottom card of his:

1990 Topps Box Bottom #J

Topps honored him with this box bottom, because he hit his 300th career home run on August 5th, 1989 at the Kingdome off of Seattle's Mike Jackson.

1989 was a big year for Parker, because he also won his 2nd World Series ring with the Oakland A's:

1989 Topps #475

That postseason, he only had five hits in seven games... but three of them were home runs.

But even this A's fan knows he's best remembered for being a Pittsburgh Pirate.  So I'll wrap things up with a pair of memorabilia cards, two pack pulled on-card autographs, and a signed rookie card (featuring him in black and yellow):

2001 Topps American Pie Timeless Classic #BBTC-42

2001 UD Decade 1970's Game-Used Bat #B-DP

Writing this post made me realize that I didn't own a jersey card of his, so I went out and purchased this card.

2013 Topps Archives Fan Favorites Autograph #FFA-DP

2014 Topps Five Star Autographs #FSA-DPA

The past few years, I've slowed down in purchasing on-card autographs.  Luckily I grabbed these two a decade ago.

Last, but not least...

1974 Topps #252

Rest in peace Mr. Parker.  Your legacy will be remembered by the millions of baseball fans and card collectors who got a chance to watch you play.

Happy Saturday and sayonara!