ECU Pirates' Parker Byrd Becomes First Player In Division 1 History To Play With Prosthetic Leg

A true story of heart and determination played out on the baseball field for East Carolina on Friday night, with Parker Byrd making his first ever collegiate start. But this was more than just any debut, as Byrd became the first ever player in Division 1 history to compete with a prosthetic leg. 

In front of a sold-out crowd, Parker Byrd returned to competitive baseball for the first time since a boating accident led to the sophomore having his leg amputated in the summer of 2022. After 23 surgeries, Byrd was cleared to compete again in the sport he loves. 

The road back was filled with speed bumps along the way, but his pursuit of playing college baseball finally came to fruition after a long road to recovery. Not only is Parker Byrd back on the Pirates baseball team, he got the opportunity to play in East Carolina's first game of the season. 

"Been working really hard for this moment. I mean the support I have had from my teammates, this community here, and back home in Laurinburg," Parker Byrd told WITN. "I’m glad I’m back out and hopefully making everybody proud."

In what will surely be the most inspiring moment of the college baseball season, Parker was called upon to pinch hit, walking to the plate to a standing ovation from the crowd in Greenville, South Carolina.

As the Pirates led 11-2 in the eighth inning, Parker headed to the plate with his family watching from the stands in what was a truly emotional and special moment. 

He would end up taking ball four, and ran to first base to cap-off the incredible moment. After reaching first, Parker was pinch-run by teammate Jason Janesko. 

ECU head coach Cliff Godwin told the local media before the game that he wished there was a certain time that he knew Parker would be inserted into the game, knowing how much the home crowd was ready to erupt and show their support. 

"Get emotional just thinking about it. It’s going to be special," says Godwin, "I wish I could tell everyone what time it is going to be, what day it is going to be. I hope it is tomorrow."

In terms of just being able to play baseball again, Byrd was not taking the moment for granted, given that he has worked for almost two years for this opportunity to play for the team he committed to out of high school. Despite the circumstances, Parker was feeling blessed to have a chance to play again. 

"Definitely grateful for the opportunity. Don’t take each day for granted," Parker Byrd mentioned. "I know that it is a blessing to be back out here. Definitely a different feeling being out here. But I’m just blessed to be here."

East Carolina's Parker Byrd celebrates with fans following his debut that saw him become the first ever Division-1 player to compete with a prosthetic leg

Following the season-opening win, Parker, along with his teammates, headed straight for the outfield area known as the ‘Jungle’ to celebrate with the fans in what was a perfect ending to a beautiful night for the East Carolina family. 

I look forward to watching Parker Byrd continue to defy the odds and help his team make a run towards the college world series. 

A beautiful night at East Carolina.