East Carolina's Parker Byrd becomes first NCAA D1 baseball athlete to play with prosthetic leg: 'It's unreal'

Parker Byrd cemented his name in college baseball history books on Friday. The East Carolina University infielder and pitcher entered the game as a pinch-hitter.

Byrd received a standing ovation from the crowd inside the stadium, who wanted to recognize him for becoming the first NCAA Division I baseball player to compete in a game with a prosthetic leg. Byrd ultimately earned at walk in the at-bat, as ECU went on to defeat Rider University.

Byrd was a highly sought after baseball prospect and graduated from a North Carolina high school in 2022. But a summer boat trip just before Byrd was set to arrive on the ECU campus as a freshman ended in tragedy. 

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Byrd fell off a tube during the trip. He then attempted to approach the boat, but the ski rope got caught inside the propeller and struck Byrd's leg, according to multiple reports.

As a result, his right leg had to be amputated. According to ESPN, Byrd underwent 22 surgeries in just 45 days following the accident.

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Earlier this week, Byrd reflected on his path to return to the baseball diamond.

"There's definitely a lot of steps and it was a long journey but with the coaches we have here, they've invested a lot of time," Byrd told reporters on Thursday. "A lot of moments preparing for the season and I think I'm ready. I can't wait."

ECU head coach Cliff Godwin also shared his hope that Byrd would have the opportunity to play in a game this season.

"Get emotional just thinking about it. It's going to be special," Godwin said on Thursday. "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."

Byrd previously mentioned that he would like to see the opposing pitcher throw him a fastball whenever he got the opportunity to step into the batters box. Shortly after he made the trip to first base in the eighth inning, Byrd was replaced by a pitch-runner. 

He received another ovation from the fans as he made his way to the dugout, where his teammates gave him a warm reception. 

Byrd expressed gratitude for all the support he received, saying the special moment was "unreal." 

"This crowd, these fans, these people, my family, my teammates, coaches, I cannot be more thankful and blessed to have the opportunity I had today. People believing in me, it's unreal. I really can't put it into words. It was phenomenal."

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