Tim Parker - a name well known and loved by all St. Louis CITY SC fans. He played a key role in the club’s success during their inaugural 2023 campaign before exiting the 314 in a trade with the New England Revolution. Today, it was revealed that he is set to go home to New York, joining the Red Bulls for their 2025 campaign in the Eastern Conference. While many fans and I will never forget Parker’s goal at Austin in CITY’s first ever match, after which he famously announced his wife’s pregnancy by placing the ball under his shirt, there are a plethora of other moments from his time here that will forever embed his name into the St. Louis CITY SC crest.
Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; St. Louis CITY SC defender Tim Parker (26) celebrates his goal with midfielder Eduard Lowen (10) in the first half against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium.
Parker’s leadership on the pitch was commendable. His presence was always known in a given match, no matter the situation. Fans took a liking to his gritty, physical style, as it embodied the tough, working town he played for, and felt security when he stepped onto the pitch. Whether it was in the opposing box knocking headers into the net or locking down attackers in the defensive third of the pitch, there was always excitement with Tim Parker.
That excitement created buzz around the league and eventually resulted in his selection to the MLS All-Star Game representing St. Louis in 2023. His play on the field was merely half of the reason fans grew to love the center back, however. Parker proved himself to be a very strong leader in the community, delving into the rich culture and history of the St. Louis region.
Like many St. Louisans, Tim Parker enjoys beer. So much so, in fact, that he worked in collaboration with 4 Hands Brewing Company to produce the first ever St. Louis CITY SC themed beer: The Parker Pilsner. CITY SC fans and beer enthusiasts alike were ecstatic, and the beverage flew off the shelves. Following his departure, 4 Hands revealed that the Parker Pilsner would remain unchanged, but see a rebrand to the name “City Pilsner.” A perfect way to honor Parker’s mark on St. Louis yet keep the beverage neutral for fans.
As part of the St. Louis community, we at 4 Hands Brewing Company want to extend a massive thank you to @Tim_Parker26 for all that he’s done for the city, on and off the pitch! Brewing Parker Pilsner in collaboration with an MLS All-Star was a dream come true for us and we’re… pic.twitter.com/9wcQo44J9d
— 4 Hands Brewing Company (@4HandsBrewingCo) August 5, 2024
Parker also made appearances on The CITY Voice, giving fans an insight into his life. He noted his love for the city, and his gratefulness for how welcoming the town was to him and his family. In a similar tone, he mentioned how he would’ve liked to stay in St. Louis until he retired during an interview following his trade to New England.
Unfortunately, all good things must inevitably end. St. Louisans filled the comments on his social media posts with heartfelt messages thanking him for all the FUN, as well as a clear message that his child will always be a St. Louisan and that they are encouraged back to this city any time they can.
The world of sports can have harsh undertones, but at the end of the day, the sports world can often be a big family. Tim Parker will forever be a part of ours.
STL, it was fun.
— Tim Parker (@Tim_Parker26) August 2, 2024