MORGANTOWN — Kent Tekulve, the former Pittsburgh Pirates’ relief pitcher, was having a great time with his former teammates at the Bradenton, Florida spring training headquarters. He was sharing tales of Dave Parker when he took a moment to answer a call from a former reporter seeking more Dave Parker stories.

Uncover the Hidden Side of Baseball's Legend

Early Days in Pittsburgh

In the early to mid-1970s, the Pirates were known as "The Lumber Company" and they had an incredible lineup. Alongside Stargell, Madlock, and Hebner, Dave Parker was a key player. During his second season in 1974, there were harsh words and troubled times. A brawl broke out after Ed Kirkpatrick stepped on Sparky Anderson at home plate. That same season, Dock Ellis tried to hit every batter he faced, hitting four and walking Tony Perez before being relieved. Through Cincinnati's eyes, Parker was seen as the enemy, but Tekulve insists there was more to him."He was the best teammate there was. He didn't always let the media see it, but in the clubhouse, he kept everyone loose," Tekulve said. Stargell was the captain, but Parker and Phil Garner conspired daily to keep the team spirit high. One day when the paychecks came, Parker showed his unique sense of humor by pushing a cart filled with checks through the clubhouse, letting everyone know his money was measured by the pound.

The World Series Moments

Bert Blyleven and his son remember how Parker would bring the younger Blyleven over, put him on his lap, and show off his muscles. In the 1979 World Series, Eddie Murray hit a fly ball toward right field. Parker slipped on his first step going after it but managed to make the catch. A Pittsburgh television reporter brought up this play at a team reunion decades later, and Parker admitted he was nervous. "If I'd missed that ball, I'd probably have gone straight through the bullpen and out into Baltimore," he said.

Career Highlights and Challenges

Parker was an imperfect hero. He went through drug trials in his younger days, which held him back from reaching his true potential. But at the height of his career, he was unmatched. He won two consecutive batting titles and an MVP award. Over a 5-year stretch, he batted.321 with 114 home runs and 490 RBI. His home runs were hard-hit and screamed as they raced toward the stands. After 11 years in Pittsburgh, he went home to Cincinnati, where he became an elder statesman, teaching the young Reds how to win. He then helped Oakland to the 1988 and 1989 World Series, hitting 22 home runs and driving in 97 runs at age 38 as the A's swept the series.Now, Parker finally gets a chance to have his say as a member of the Hall of Fame. "I've been holding this speech in for 15 years," he told MLB Network.