*Photo from On3.com*
July 23, 2022 is a day that will forever live in Parker Byrd's life. February 16, 2024 will do the same for Byrd and for all of the College Baseball world.
On that day in July, Byrd was involved in a boating accident that nearly took his life. He survived, but his right leg didn't. After the accident, he underwent 22 surgeries in 45 days. It was all worth it on Friday night as number 16 for East Carolina University stepped up to the plate.
Byrd drew a walk in a pinch hit appearance, but in doing so, he became the first person to play a baseball game with a prosthetic leg. He drew the attention of Jim Abbott as well, who played 10 seasons in the major leagues despite not having a right hand.
Entering college as a top 25 recruit in North Carolina out of high school, Byrd was involved in a boating accident before moving to campus to start his freshman year. After undergoing 22 surgeries and having his right leg amputated, Byrd spent his entire first year recovering from the injury, not even thinking about playing baseball.
Byrd credits his mother Mitzi for pushing him to keep playing baseball. Byrd said no one is playing with a prosthetic leg. Her response was simply "Well, there always has to be the first."
Through the Challenged Athletes Foundation and $90,000 raised online to help with medical costs, Byrd was able to get a prosthetic leg that was specialized for sports. A pitcher when initially recruited in high school, Byrd became a 3rd baseman after the accident and was determined to play this year, his Sophomore year at East Carolina.
East Carolina head coach Cliff Godwin described Byrd as someone who makes him better and the whole team better. After the game on Friday, he said seeing Byrd on the field was one of the proudest moments he has ever had.
Parker Byrd might not play a lot this season, he appeared in the end of a 16-2 blowout win for East Carolina. His story is already incredible, and it speaks volumes to the pure determination of the human spirit.
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