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

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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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An official NCAA baseball sits among some University of Virginia Cavaliers baseball equipment in the bullpen prior to a game against the East Carolina University Pirates at Davenport Field on February 27, 2016. (Diamond Images via Getty Images)

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.

East Carolina head coach Cliff Godwin during a game between the Houston Cougars and the East Carolina Pirates at Lewis Field at Clark LeClair Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina, on April 29, 2018. Houston defeated ECU 6-5. (Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

"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 batter's 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. 

Storm clouds over the stadium before the NCAA Baseball Greenville Regional between the East Carolina Pirates and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Lewis Field at Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina, on June 2, 2018. (Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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

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"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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