An East Carolina player became the first Division I player to play a baseball game with a prosthetic leg, a remarkable milestone for someone who lost his leg in a boating accident less than two years ago.
In the Pirates' season opener against Rider Friday night, infielder/pitcher Parker Byrd came in as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning of the 16-2 victory. When Byrd walked into the batter's box, the crowd of 5,221 − a school record for biggest opening day crowd − erupted in cheering for the sophomore as he acknowledged the crowd. Even better, his family was in attendance to see the special moment.
The memorable night didn't end there. Byrd drew a walk in the at-bat, and the crowd managed to get louder to celebrate. A pinch runner came in for Byrd after the walk.
Byrd nearly lost his life when he was in a boating accident in Bath, North Carolina, on July 23, 2022. While he did survive, the accident led to the amputation of his right leg.
Afterward, Byrd underwent 22 surgeries in a 45 day period, and it resulted in him missing his freshman season at East Carolina. But he didn't let the loss of his leg deter him from playing from his parent's alma mater.
"I mean chill bumps man, it's absolutely phenomenal" Byrd said about his appearance after the game. "This crowd, these fans, these people, my family, my teammates, coaches I really could not be more thankful and blessed.
"It's really the people along the way that have helped me."
East Carolina head coach Cliff Goodwin said it was "one of the proudest moments I have ever had as a coach" to see Byrd play, and his comeback isn't done.
"He's going to get some more. He has worked his tail off, it was super emotional," Goodwin said. "The umpire behind home plate told me when I was making a change he has been umpiring for 17-18 years and it is the coolest moment he has ever been a part of."
Byrd also got a shoutout from former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott, who played professional seasons and threw a no-hitter for the New York Yankees in 1993 despite being born without a right hand.
"Well done Parker, nothing can stop you!" Abbott said on social media.
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