Pittsburgh Pirates great Dave Parker is battling Parkinson's disease.

Parker told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he was first diagnosed in February 2012, but informed only a few friends. The 1978 National League MVP and two-time batting champ said the Parkinson's has not progressed rapidly.

"There's no fear," Parker said. "I've had a great life. I always dreamt of playing baseball, and I played. I'm 62 years old and fortunate to make it to this point. I have some beautiful kids that I got to watch grow up and become adults. My fingerprints are on the baseball industry. I feel good about that. I have nothing to feel bad about."