Pittsburgh Pirates Top Five Right Fielders

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3. Dave Parker (1973-1983)

Dave Parker was a tremendous player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning an MVP award in 1978, earning four All-Star nods and three Gold Glove awards. He was the rare slugger who could also hit for a high average, twice leading the National League in batting average.

In the truly stellar eleven seasons that Parker had with the Pirates, he was a true force of nature. Overall, Parker had a .305/.353/.494 batting line, slugging 166 home runs and stealing 123 bases. Coming in during a time when offense was still generally low, Parker was a star with the bat.

On defense, Dave Parker was a bit of a mixed bag. While most sluggers are generally put in a position where they will not hurt defensively, he was a true five tool player in his youth. Parker had a strong arm, leading the National League with 26 outfield assists in 1977 and consistently ranking among the leaders in right. Parker was also among the league leaders in range factor in right on an annual basis, but he also led National League right fielders in errors six times as a Pirate, and is the all time leader with 134 miscues.

However, Dave Parker was a tremendous player, and one who deserved a lot more consideration for the Hall of Fame. Perhaps some day, the Cobra will get his due.

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