Word: parker
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...graceful outfielder once battled fly balls as if they were his natural enemies. He forged a peace with hours of after-game practice and, with the same single-mindedness, learned to hit line drives. "People talk about the money I'm making, but I paid my dues," Parker says. "You don't get here without sacrifice, without playing ball eleven months a year for $500 in the minors and winter leagues. I may be a millionaire now, but there was a time when I couldn't pay my electric bill. One week all I had to live...
When he finally reached the big leagues in 1973, he quickly served notice that an irresistible force had arrived. Parker kept a detailed book on National League pitchers during his early years arid still logs hours of extra practice. Says Pirate Manager Chuck Tanner: "Sure he has the talent, but he's worked as hard as any man I've ever seen play this game to develop his ability. He's getting better every day and he hasn't even hit his prime yet. That's why five years from now, we'll look...
When the new season got under way last week, the temperature trembled at a subfreezing 31° in Pittsburgh, and Parker was every bit as cold. While umpires picketed outside Three Rivers Stadium and other major league parks in pursuit of a pay raise, baseball's best-paid player struck out twice, had no hits in four at-bats and made a fielding error in a 3-2 Pirate loss. Still, Tanner was not about to eat his words. Parker himself was calmly philosophical. "There's 161 games to go," said he. "I think I can improve...
...field, Parker's new status has brought problems. Ten days before the Pirates broke camp in Florida, his suburban home was broken into. He has received death threats laced with racial epithets. Parker is both puzzled and angry over such incidents: "I knew things would be different because of the contract. I expected to be under a magnifying glass. But I never expected this kind of thing. I don't know what will happen, but I do know that I've got to sleep in my home without fear; I've got to know that when...
Pirate Third Baseman Phil Garner, clubhouse Mutt to Parker's Jeff, reflected on his friend's good fortune and the trials that lie ahead: "It isn't going to be easy for Dave. He's a very private person for all his clubhouse clowning, and some of the things that happened have hurt him. But he's still got one very big weapon: he's the best player in the world...