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
1989 was a big year for Parker, because he also won his 2nd World Series ring with the Oakland A's:
1989 Topps #475
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):
Writing this post made me realize that I didn't own a jersey card of his, so I went out and purchased this card.
2001 Topps American Pie Timeless Classic #BBTC-42
2001 UD Decade 1970's Game-Used Bat #B-DP
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!
6 comments:
Nice tribute. May he RIP.
yes, this one hit a bit differently than, say, diego segui since i latched on to parker and his peers in the earliest days of my fandom. i was sure to pick up a couple of his autos many years ago, but i never did get that 2013 archives fan favorites one (i just have the base sp version in my 1978 topps master set). it's a beauty and i am glad it's in your collection.
Yep, he was a titan for us '70s kids and he just rocketed to another level in 1979.
Ya have to wonder if he had his hall of fame speech ready since he was supposed to be there next month for his induction
Never really watched him as he was before my baseball watching time, but still a legend to me from watching highlights
Some great cards for a great HOFer! RIP
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