East Carolina University sophomore Parker Byrd made history on Friday evening by becoming the first baseball player in NCAA Division I history to compete in a game with a prosthetic leg.
Byrd, who endured a life-threatening boating accident on July 23, 2022, resulting in the loss of his right leg and undergoing 22 surgeries, showcased remarkable resilience and determination.
What. A. Moment. 🤟🏴☠️@parkerbyrd11 pic.twitter.com/qqkzVjfktj
— ECU Baseball (@ECUBaseball) February 16, 2024
Despite missing the entire 2023 season, he defied the odds and returned to the active roster in 2024. His momentous appearance during East Carolina’s season-opening game against Rider University in Greenville, North Carolina, marked his debut in collegiate baseball.
Greatness.@parkerbyrd11 🤟🏴☠️ pic.twitter.com/ZSNoFwCdjI
— ECU Baseball (@ECUBaseball) February 16, 2024
In a heartwarming scene, Byrd stepped into the batter’s box as a pinch-hitter during the eighth inning of the Pirates’ dominant 16-2 victory. Drawing a walk, Byrd contributed to his team’s success before exiting the game for pinch-runner Jason Janesko, who later scored a crucial run.
All the feels as the Byrd family watched @parkerbyrd11 step into the batters box for the first time 🥹🤟 pic.twitter.com/G5h3kwR7wG
— ECU Baseball (@ECUBaseball) February 17, 2024
Reflecting on his poignant moment, Byrd expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the crowd, his family, teammates, and coaches. “I mean chill bumps, man,” he shared postgame. “This crowd, these people, my family, my teammates, coaches—I really could not be more thankful and blessed.”
Head coach Cliff Godwin lauded Byrd’s perseverance and stated that this historic moment was one of the proudest in his coaching career. He affirmed that Byrd would continue to receive opportunities on the field, emphasizing his relentless work ethic and emotional journey.
Even the umpire, with nearly two decades of experience, acknowledged the significance of Byrd’s participation, describing it as one of the coolest moments he had ever witnessed.
Byrd’s remarkable achievement not only resonated with his family, coaches, and teammates but also left a lasting impact on the 5,000-plus fans who witnessed his courageous return to the game he loves.
