East Carolina’s Parker Byrd became the first Division I college baseball player to participate in a game with a prosthetic leg in Friday’s 16-2 win against Rider. Byrd, a sophomore infielder and right-handed pitcher, had his right leg amputated after a boating accident in 2022.
ESPN noted on the broadcast he underwent 22 surgeries in 45 days.
What. A. Moment. 🤟🏴☠️@parkerbyrd11 pic.twitter.com/qqkzVjfktj
— ECU Baseball (@ECUBaseball) February 16, 2024
With the Pirates ahead 11-2 in the eighth inning and a runner on first base, Byrd walked to home plate for his collegiate debut. The crowd at Clark-LeClair Stadium all got to their feet to clap and cheer in support of his journey. Byrd took off his helmet to show his appreciation.
Moments later he drew a walk.
“I couldn’t be more thankful to have the opportunity I had today,” Byrd said after the game.
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(Photo: Courtesy of East Carolina Athletics Department)