Nearly 50 years ago, Jim Rice and the late Dave Parker graced the cover of Sports Illustrated together, a moment that remains vivid in Rice’s memory. The cover, part of SI’s baseball preview issue dated April 9, 1979, followed both players winning MVP awards in 1978. The iconic image featured them posing back-to-back, under the provocative headline, “Who’s best?”
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Rice addressed that longstanding question, ultimately acknowledging Parker’s supremacy on the field. “Well, let me tell you, Dave Parker was better. He just was. He was better,” Rice stated, reflecting on their competitive legacies.
Both Rice and Parker were standout players in the late 1970s—Rice was noted for his exceptional hitting skills, while Parker was recognized as a superior baserunner and defender, possessing a more well-rounded skillset. Parker boasted two World Series titles compared to Rice’s zero, further solidifying his status in baseball history.
Their competitive rivalry extended to memorable moments on the field, including a notable incident during the 1979 All-Star Game when Parker made an impressive throw that cut down Rice at third base while he attempted to stretch a double into a triple.
Parker, who passed away at the age of 74 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, was posthumously elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in December. He will be inducted on July 27 alongside Rice, who has held the honor since 2009. In speaking about Parker, Rice conveyed deep admiration. “Look at my face in the photo. I’m saying, ‘That’s a big man.’ That’s a big man who could run, a big man who could throw, a big man who could hit,” Rice said, reflecting on the respect he holds for Parker even decades later.
This heartfelt acknowledgment shines a light on the camaraderie and mutual respect that often exists among athletes, regardless of the competitive nature of the sport. It highlights the legacies left behind by these great players—legacies that will not be forgotten as they will be celebrated together in Cooperstown.