Parker Byrd, a second-year student at East Carolina University who suffered the loss of his leg in a boating incident two years ago, made history as the first individual to participate in a Division I baseball game with a prosthetic limb.
Byrd made his debut for the Pirates during the eighth inning as a substitute batter in their dominant 16-2 victory last night.
Cliff Godwin, the team’s manager, expressed his immense pride during an on-field interview with WCTI-TV, as reported by ESPN. “As a coach, this is one of the most gratifying moments I have ever experienced,” Godwin proclaimed. “And there will be more to come. Parker has put in an incredible amount of effort. The moment was incredibly emotional. The home plate umpire even shared with me during a substitution that, in his 17-18 years of umpiring, this was the most remarkable moment he had ever been a part of.”
During the summer of 2022, Byrd suffered a severe injury when his legs were struck by a boat propeller, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. Over a span of 45 days, he underwent 22 surgeries, signifying the arduous journey of his recovery. In December of that same year, he was fitted with a prosthetic leg. After 19 months, he triumphantly walked up to the home plate to take a swing.
“In all honesty, it’s absolutely awe-inspiring,” Byrd expressed after the game. “The energy from the crowd, the support from these fans, these individuals, my family, teammates, and coaches… I couldn’t be more grateful and blessed.”
Following the viral circulation of a video showcasing his remarkable performance, numerous individuals reached out to Byrd, offering their unwavering support. Among them was former New York Yankee pitcher Jim Abbott, who was born without his right hand.
“Parker, you’ve done an exceptional job! Nothing can impede your progress!” he conveyed on a social media platform.
According to the Source deadspin.com