Parkinson's Awareness Month:30 Days-30 Stories/Day Twenty-Two: Dave Parker Battles Parkinson's
If you were a baseball fan in the 1970's & 80's, you remember Dave Parker.
Parker was 6'5", 230 pounds. A truly imposing figure on the field. He was a true 5-tool player. He could hit, hit for power, run, field and throw.
Dave Parker was a 7-time All Star, won 3 Gold Gloves, was National League MVP in 1978 and is a 2 time World Champion.
A lot of people, himself included, wonder why he's not in the Hall of Fame. That's only a minor issue for him.
At age 62, Dave Parker has Parkinson's Disease.
He thinks it could be because of the style he played baseball....all out and physical. Studies show it's possible but unlikely.
Genetics are against him. His sister has Parkinson's.
One other thing...Parker was involved in baseball's Cocaine scandal in the 1980's. Studies do show that cocaine use increases the chances of getting Parkinson's.
Here's his story http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2008283-dave-parker-fights-parkinsons-and-makes-peace-with-his-baseball-past