Parker Byrd (ECU redshirt freshmen) made an emotional debut in college Friday, when he was the first Division I athlete ever to play a game using a prosthetic.
Byrd appeared as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning of the Pirates’ 16-2 victory against Rider. After drawing a walk of five pitches, he received a standing-ovation from Clark-LeClair Stadium’s 5,221 spectators. The pinch runner was brought in to replace him.
What. A. Moment.
@parkerbyrd11 pic.twitter.com/qqkzVjfktj
— ECU Baseball (@ECUBaseball) February 16, 2024
Byrd had a boating accident and a part of his right foot was amputated in July 2022. He had 22 surgeries over 45 days and then a long rehab. But ECU and the Pirates stuck with him throughout the process, setting up Friday’s emotional scene.
Byrd reported that he felt chills as he walked to the plate.
“It’s unreal,” Byrd said. “I really can’t put it into words. It’s phenomenal.”
Coach Cliff Godwin said Byrd’s debut was one of the proudest moments he’s had in more than 20 years of coaching.
“It’s been a long journey,” Godwin said. “He’s been working his tail off. It was super emotional.”
Godwin told Byrd that he will get more chances to play this season. Byrd is grateful for this moment, and all the help he has received in the past 19 months.
“It’s really the people along the way that have helped me,” Byrd said. “God as well, he’s looking over me the whole time. I really can’t be more blessed getting the opportunity I am today.”
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