Pirates' sneaky move with Dave Parker memorial jersey patches smacks of disrespect

Last month, the Pittsburgh Pirates unveiled a special jersey patch to honor late Hall of Famer Dave Parker, who died in June from complications from Parkinson's disease at the age of 74. The patch, which will be worn for the remainder of the 2025 season, honors the memory of one of the greatest players in franchise history and an integral piece of the Pirates' 1979 World Series team.

The patch is circular and striking in its simplicity and symbolism. It features a gold silhouette of Parker executing his iconic swing, set against a black background and framed by a gold border. Superimposed across the silhouette, in bold white script, is his famous nickname: "COBRA."

The patch was given prime real estate on the Pirates' home and away jerseys, worn on the left chest to ensure that it remained prominent and visible throughout the remainder of the season.

Or so we thought.

During the TV broadcast of the Pirates' series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday, some eagle-eyed fans noticed a change. The patch had moved from the left chest to the left sleeve, and it had significantly decreased in size.

In fact, the patch is now so much smaller that it pales in comparison to that of the Pirates' jersey sponsor – a bright red Sheetz logo, also on the left sleeve. So, the organization reduced a symbol honoring the life and legacy of one of its deceased franchise legends to the same level as that of a corporate sponsor. Let's not mince words here – it's despicable.

Pirates' sneaky move with Dave Parker memorial jersey patches smacks of disrespect

Unfortunately (and yet, unsurprisingly) this isn't the first instance of the Pirates disrespecting the memory of a franchise icon this season. Fans were horrified to discover during their home opener in April that the sign on the right field wall of PNC Park featuring Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente's name and No. 21 had been replaced with an advertisement for Surfside, a brand of canned cocktails.

Clemente's family had to issue a statement expressing their disappointment in the team's decision to remove the logo without consulting them first (on the anniversary of the day his jersey was retired by the franchise, no less) before the Pirates were shamed into returning the tribute to its rightful place and moving the Surfside ad to another location inside the ballpark.

Clearly, the organization learned nothing from that PR disaster and has since opened itself up to another one. The original gesture honored one of the Pirates' most electrifying players with visibility, respect and lasting remembrance, but this latest move does anything but.

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