Top 3 Pirates moments from Dave Parker's Hall of Fame career

After years of waiting, Pirates legend Dave Parker has finally gotten into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Parker was one of the stars that led the Pirates to their most recent World Series win. He belted over 300 home runs, made seven All-Star Game appearances, and was one of six different players to win the Most Valuable Player award in Pittsburgh.

The decision to put him into Cooperstown was long awaited, but it has finally happened. Of his 19-year career, Parker spent 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, creating a lot of great moments and memories. Let's recap his top three moments from his Pirates career.

What are the top 3 moments from Dave Parker's time with the Pirates?

1978 National League Most Valuable Player

Arguably the best season of Parker's long career was in 1978, when he took home the Most Valuable Player award, marking the third-ever MVP in Pirates history at the time.

In that season, Parker belted 30 home runs, 32 doubles, and 12 triples to generate a slugging percentage of .585. This went alongside an on-base percentage of .394 to create an OPS of .979. He drove in 117 runs, stole 20 bases, and batted .334, which were big factors in a career-high wRC+ of 167.

That season was absolutely incredible from Parker, and is one of the best single-season performances in Pirates history, making it a crowning achievement of his career.

1979 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player

The 1979 season was a special one for Parker based on two separate events. The first of two was when he won the MVP award in the 1979 All-Star Game. Winning this award wasn't necessarily due to an outstanding game at the plate, but he made some extraordinary plays in the field to propel the National League to a victory.

He went 1-for-3 at the plate, including a sacrifice fly early in the game, but when the contest was close in the later innings, Parker had his spotlight moment. The Cobra threw out Jim Rice trying to turn a double into a triple. Then, in the eighth inning, Parker threw out Brian Downing trying to score, which would have given the American League a late lead.

That performance earned Parker the MVP of the game, and was definitely one of the best moments in his tenure with the Pirates.

Parker's performance in the 1979 World Series

The other big-time moment for Parker in 1979 was how well he played in the World Series. Although Willie Stargell won the MVP of the series, Parker had an incredible performance, leading Pittsburgh to their fifth World Series win.

During the seven-game series, Parker batted .345, with three doubles and four runs driven in. Additionally, his OPS reached .842. All of these statistics contributed towards the Pirates coming back in the series from down 3-1. His elite talent helped the Pirates win the World Series, which he noted this week was one of his favorite memories of his career.

Parker was well deserving of his Hall of Fame selection, and his memorable moments in Pittsburgh will not be forgotten.