RIP Dave Parker
Dave Parker, the towering and charismatic outfielder nicknamed "the Cobra," whose powerful bat and electrifying presence made him a legend of Major League Baseball, passed away on June 28, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on June 9, 1951, in Grenada, Mississippi, Parker grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he became a standout three-sport athlete at Courter Tech High School before focusing on baseball following a knee injury in his senior year. Despite this setback, Parker’s raw athleticism and determination led the Pittsburgh Pirates to select him in the 14th round of the MLB draft, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would span nearly two decades
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Parker made his major league debut with the Pirates in 1973 and quickly established himself as a dominant force. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing over 225 pounds, he was a rare five-tool player—excelling in hitting for average and power, running, fielding, and throwing. Over his 19-year career, Parker played for six teams but is most closely associated with the Pirates, where he spent 11 seasons. He was a seven-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner, and won two World Series championships—first with Pittsburgh in 1979 and later with the Oakland Athletics in 1989. His career statistics include 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, 1,493 runs batted in, and a .290 lifetime batting average.
In 1978, Parker was named the National League Most Valuable Player after leading the league in batting average (.334), OPS (.979), and total bases (340). He also captured National League batting titles in 1977 and 1978, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s elite hitters. Parker was renowned for his powerful arm in right field, throwing out 72 runners from 1975 to 1979, including an astounding 26 in 1977 alone. His toughness was legendary, exemplified by his return to the field just two weeks after breaking his cheekbone in a home-plate collision, wearing a hockey goalie mask for protection.
Parker’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. In January 1979, he became only the second professional athlete to sign a contract averaging $1 million per year, a milestone that reflected both his talent and his pioneering role in the era of free agency1. Off the field, Parker was a mentor to younger players and a beloved figure in the clubhouse, known for his leadership and larger-than-life personality7. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012 but continued to inspire fans and fellow players with his courage and resilience.
Parker was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by a special committee in December 2024, a fitting capstone to a career that saw him overcome adversity to achieve greatness. He died just 29 days before his scheduled induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, determination, and passion for the game. Parker is survived by his wife, Kellye, and his family. His impact on baseball and the lives he touched will be remembered for generations to come.
- By Terry L. Wilkerson
RIP PHIL ROBERTSON
Phil Robertson, the bearded patriarch of the Robertson family and star of the reality TV phenomenon "Duck Dynasty," died on May 25, 2025, at the age of 79, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His passing was announced by his family, who shared that he was surrounded by loved ones in his final days, reflecting the close-knit bonds that defined both his personal and public life.
Born and raised in rural Louisiana, Phil Robertson grew up in poverty but developed a deep love for the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. This upbringing would later inspire his entrepreneurial journey, leading him to invent the Duck Commander duck call in 1972 and establish the family business that would become a household name.
Robertson’s life changed dramatically in 2012 when "Duck Dynasty" premiered on A&E, showcasing the Robertson family's unique blend of faith, humor, and hunting culture. The show quickly became a cultural sensation, drawing millions of viewers and cementing Phil as an American icon known for his rugged wisdom, unwavering faith, and distinctive beard.
Despite his fame, Phil was no stranger to controversy. In 2013, comments he made in a magazine interview led to a brief suspension from "Duck Dynasty," sparking national debate on free speech and faith in public life. Nevertheless, his popularity endured, and he continued to share his beliefs through television, writing, and public speaking.
In his later years, Phil faced significant health challenges, including the Alzheimer’s diagnosis that his family revealed in December 2024. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, described his rapid decline as “incredibly difficult,” but emphasized the love and care he received from his family in his final days.
Phil Robertson’s legacy extends far beyond television. He was a devoted husband to Kay, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a passionate evangelist whose testimony and faith impacted countless lives. His family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating, “We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again”.
A private service will be held in his memory, with plans for a public celebration of his life to be announced. As the Robertson family moves forward, including with the upcoming "Duck Dynasty: The Revival," Phil’s influence will remain deeply woven into their story and the hearts of those who admired him.
by: Terry L. Wilkerson
Work EDC, And Changing To A New Enviroment
A man’s every day carry is a dynamic situation for the most part. Sure, some aspects of EDC are static, but to tie yourself to a set of items to carry every single day for the remainder of your life is not a workable scenario. Naturally your first thought is “that defeats the concept of every day carry”. You are correct. You are also taking the term EDC far too literally, as I did for almost two decades. Recently I have come to realize that dynamic nature of EDC.
Having spent 30 years working in kitchens I was accustomed to a very specific EDC. It is far easier to carry heavier items for more rugged use when you work in a kitchen than it is to carry the same items in my current office job (especially considering I work in one of the least preparedness friendly cities in the United States). In fact, when working in kitchens I often found that co-workers and even owners relied on the gear I had stored in my bag and the trunk of my car. Now, on the 25th floor of a major office building in Philadelphia that acceptance is no longer the case.
So, gone from my work EDC are:
- My get home bag. It remains in the trunk of my car at home with a modified, smaller
version under my desk. This obviously reduces the amount of medical and navigation
supplies that I carry on a daily basis
- Spare bottles of water
- Rice and hard tack
- Tool box
- Small hatchet
- 18” machete
I have carried a Leatherman of some kind since 2000. At times the Surge (there is a long story about what happened to my original Surge), the Original Wave (which was simply called the Wave when I purchased it), the Sidekick, the Wingman, the Super Tool 300, or the Skeletool. I recently have added to my collection the “Leatherman killer” clones of the Surge, the Bibury 21 In 1, and the Signal clone, the Mossy Oak 19 In 1. The Bibury sits on my hip most work days. I have on occasion carried the Super Tool 300, most notably in the last year as my job was moving to a different floor, and the Bond. As I write this, it is the Bibury. I intend to do a full review of the Bibury once trout season begins and I launch the new Galt & Grey channel on Rumble.
As for a pocket knife, not much changes for me. I still carry a Buck 845 Vantage Select flipper in Black Oxide. I have a long history with the Vantage. This current edition is the second that I have owned. The first…well that is part of the story of losing my Surge. As a huge believe in “two is one, one is none” I also supplement both the multi tool and Vantage with a Victorinox Huntsman.
Flashlight? You bet. Strangely enough, I carry a Defiant 500 lumen in a belt holster. For $20 at Home Depot, you cannot beat the value for an EDC.
Pens are a huge part of my EDC. Currently I carry a Bic three color plus pencil, a multi pen with a level, a small ruler, and a small screwdriver which, as a person who wears glasses, is used far more often than one would think. I also typically have a Zebra F 701. Full stainless steel body makes it a great emergency tactical pen.
Lined note cards carried in an Oxford brand 3x5 card holder. This is a habit I have held onto since 1996.
Combustion. I typically have a standard Bic lighter and a Tesla coil lighter on me at all times.
Always, always have two-way radio on you. Always. These days I have a Baofeng 888 in my work bag and the standard Baofeng UV 5R at home and on the road.
The most important EDC item I have had to adapt since moving to an office job in the city is this: situational awareness. Yes, in the kitchen you have about a 1000 ways to get injured, maimed, or even die but in the city you add another element. The human element. I spend time on the streets of this city and have realized that I need to know every block, every section, and the direction I am traveling at all times. Situational awareness is important in any setting, but spending 8-10 hours a day on the borderline between gentrified and chaos causes one to hyper-focus on his surroundings.
By: Terry L. Wilkerson
Mr. Baseball Passes Away at 90.
The Terrant On The Road
Valley Forge, PA - March 29, 2024
The Terrant took a trip to historic Valley Forge PA to visit the Headquarters of George Washington. Click to view the photos of the trip.
