Current:Home > StocksEast Carolina's Parker Byrd becomes first Division I baseball player with prosthetic leg-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
East Carolina's Parker Byrd becomes first Division I baseball player with prosthetic leg
View Date:2024-12-23 21:28:05
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.
Parker Byrd's story
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.
'Chill bumps, man'
"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.
veryGood! (228)
Related
- Arizona Supreme Court declines emergency request to extend ballot ‘curing’ deadline
- John Cena returning to WWE in September, will be at Superstar Spectacle show in India
- Life in a rural ambulance desert means sometimes help isn't on the way
- Dax Shepard Is Drawing This Line for His Daughters' Sex Lives in the Future
- Powell says Fed will likely cut rates cautiously given persistent inflation pressures
- Britney Spears' husband, Sam Asghari, files for divorce in Los Angeles, court records show
- Kansas newspaper reporter had 'every right' to access business owner's driving record, attorney says
- This video from a humpback 'whale spa' shows skin care is serious — and social
- Brianna LaPaglia Reacts to Rumors Dave Portnoy Paid Her $10 Million for a Zach Bryan Tell-All
- Suspect who killed store owner had ripped down Pride flag and shouted homophobic slurs, sheriff says
Ranking
- Burger King is giving away a million Whoppers for $1: Here's how to get one
- Many Lahaina wildfire victims may be children, Hawaii governor says
- Julie Bowen Weighs In on Sofía Vergara's Single Life After Joe Manganiello Breakup
- Woman gets 15 years to life in deaths of boyfriend, friend after 100 mph car crash into brick wall
- A $1 billion proposal is the latest plan to refurbish and save the iconic Houston Astrodome
- Polls close in Guatemala’s presidential runoff as voters hope for real change
- If You Love the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops, You'll Obsess Over the Drunk Elephant Brightening Drops
- Children's pony rides banned in Paris following animal rights campaign
Recommendation
-
Are Ciara Ready and Russell Wilson Ready For Another Baby? She Says…
-
The NFL's highest-paid offensive tackles: In-depth look at position's 2023 salary rankings
-
Dentist convicted of killing wife on African safari set to be sentenced to life in prison
-
William Byron dominates Watkin Glen for 5th win of 2023; 15 NASCAR playoff berths clinched
-
Parts of Southern California under quarantine over oriental fruit fly infestation
-
Charlize Theron claps back at plastic surgery allegations: 'My face is changing and aging'
-
Canadian firefighters make progress battling some blazes but others push thousands from their homes
-
The Golden Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise Premiere Dates Revealed