Dave Parker, a hard-hitting outfielder who was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month, has died, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced Saturday.

Dave "The Cobra" Parker, the Cincinnati native and one of the most feared hitters of his generation, has died of complications following a long illness, the Cincinnati Reds announced Saturday. He was 74.

Parker, a towering outfielder who helped propel the Pirates to the World Series in 1979, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame last year.