Former A's Slugger Dave Parker Coping With Parkinson's Disease
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (CBS/AP) — Seven-time major-league All-Star Dave Parker is dealing with Parkinson's disease.
Parker told The Associated Press on Thursday that he was diagnosed with the disease in February 2012. Parker's condition was first reported Wednesday by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review newspaper.
Parkinson's is a progressive disorder that gradually takes a toll on the nervous system.
The 62-year-old Parker, who played with the Oakland A's in 1988 and 1989, said he is able to get by without medication at this point and relies on a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, including at least an hour a day on his bicycle.
Parker hit 339 home runs during a 19-year career with five teams, most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates. Parker captured the NL MVP Award in 1978 after hitting .334 with 30 home runs and 117 RBIs and won two World Series titles.
The A's reached the World Series both years Parker played in Oakland. In 1989, the year the A's swept the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, he hit .264 with 22 home runs and 97 RBIs.
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