Parker’s best season came as a reliever and spot starter for the Mets in their surprise 1973 NL championship season. He went 8-4 with five saves and a 3.35 ERA, all career bests; he never had another winning season. In Game Four of the LCS, he surrendered a 12th-inning homer to Pete Rose, taking the loss in relief. He also lost Game Three of the World Series in the 11th inning on an unearned run. His brother Jack was an infielder in the Indians’ organization.
