Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025

Source: Reach Media / Urban One

UPDATED: 4:45 pm EST June 28, 2025

Baseball mourns the loss of one of its most charismatic and talented figures, Dave Parker, who passed away at the age of 74 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Known as “The Cobra,” Parker was a larger-than-life presence both on and off the field, leaving an indelible mark on the game during his 19-year career.

Parker’s accolades are a testament to his greatness: a 1978 National League MVP, two-time batting champion, seven-time All-Star, and a two-time World Series champion with the Pirates in 1979 and the A’s in 1989. His cannon-like arm and powerful bat made him one of the most feared players of his era, amassing 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, and 1,493 RBIs with a .290 career batting average.

Beyond the stats, Parker was a trailblazer. He became the first MLB player to earn $1 million per season and was known for his swagger, wit, and style, often drawing comparisons to Muhammad Ali for his confidence and quotable personality. His iconic moments, like throwing out runners with laser-like precision in the 1979 All-Star Game, remain etched in baseball lore.

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Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far in 2025 Below