As a kid growing up in the 1970's - Dave Parker was an imposing figure and an incredible ballplayer. He was the NL MVP in 1978, a perennial all star, and a key member of the 1979 Pirate World Series Championship team. He was the first ballplayer in history to sign a contract for more than $1 million per year. Just as it appeared he would go down as one of the all-time greats -- injuries and off-field drug issues slowed him down. He left Pittsburgh to play a couple years with the Cincinnati Reds where he made two more all-star appearances and finished 2nd in the 1983 MVP voting. He was also a member of the Oakland Athletics Bash-Brothers 1989 Championship team. He spent one year (1990) in Milwaukee and played 153 games as the Brewers DH. He finished his career the next season as a member of the California Angels and the Toronto Blue Jays and retired.
Despite posting comparable statistics to Hall of Fame members Tony Perez and Andre Dawson -- Dave Parker has never received more than 24% of the vote from the Hall of Fame voters.
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