Dave Parker is battling Parkinson’s Disease, Karen Price reports:

Much has changed the past two years for the Pirates and Parker. The Pirates once again have become a winning team, boasting consecutive postseason appearances. Parker has battled Parkinson’s disease.

Diagnosed in February 2012, Parker said he has good days and bad days. The disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement, and on Sunday a tremor came and went in Parker’s right arm as he sat at a table with fellow former Pirates players. So far, however, he is able to continue playing racquetball and golf and working out.

“They say, ‘Stay active,’ and that’s what I’m trying to do,” said Parker, the 1978 National League MVP and two-time batting champion. “My golf score’s gotten lower since I had it, but I’d trade the score any day to get rid of this Parkinson’s.”

Parker, 63, played for the Pirates for 11 seasons, winning the MVP in 1978. He played for five other teams over his 19-year career.