Long before Dave Parker ever signed with the Blue Jays, the brash young slugger was playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978. During a game on June 30th, Parker who was affectionately known as the “Cobra” throughout his career was involved in a collision at home plate with New York Mets catcher John Stearns.
The collision resulted in Parker breaking his jaw and being forced out of the Pirates lineup. At the time of the injury, the outfielder was hitting .316/.377/.535 and setting the groundwork for what wound up being an MVP season for Parker.