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Dave Parker’s Story: Hitting a Home Run with Hope

For 19 seasons, Dave Parker dazzled Major League Baseball fans with his speed, power and grit.

The 1978 National League MVP went on to win two World Series Championships, three Gold Gloves and appeared in seven All-Star games.

Dave retired from professional baseball in 1991. Since then, he’s been enjoying life with Kellye, his wife of 35 years. He also continues to mentor young players.

After spending years getting the best of opposing teams, he encountered a new opponent: Parkinson’s.

Dave began to experience a tremor in his right hand. As time wore on, he started to have trouble walking and difficulty keeping his balance. Dave was told he may have Parkinson’s.

He was referred to Andrew Duker, MD, UC Health neurologist and Parkinson’s disease subspecialist at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

“Parkinson’s is a disease that can be depressing for patients, but it’s one where there is a lot of hope,” said Dr. Duker. “It’s one where we have therapies that can significantly improve quality of life.”

Dr. Duker and Kellye continue to be Dave’s strongest teammates throughout all of his treatment. Together, they work to support and guide him as he fights this disease.

Dave and Kellye credit Dr. Duker and the neurology team at UC Health for their innovation and superior technology that’s unmatched in Cincinnati.

“I tell people, if anything happens, go to UC Health. Anything!” Kellye said.

Dave continues to approach the diagnosis with the same heart and determination he brought to the baseball diamond that led him to win three Silver Slugger awards and two batting titles.

“It’s like a 3-2 count in the ninth inning, and you need that run,” Dave said. “I’ve always been the man, and I’m going to still be the man.”

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