Byrd back on the field after boating accident in Bath – Washington Daily News

ECU baseball player and New Bern Southpaws designated hitter Parker Byrd will get a chance in the starting lineup this summer, almost exactly two years after his career could have ended.

On July 23, 2022, Byrd was involved in a horrific boating accident on Bath Creek that nearly cost him his life. He had two options for his right leg: amputation or continuing treatment with the medications that hadn’t worked and risking the infection spreading to his kidneys and lungs, which could lead to death.

Byrd opted for a below-knee amputation and was fitted with a prosthetic limb. According to NCAA.com, he returned to ECU’s baseball facility in the fall and hitting was the first step in getting back on the field.

A year later, in the spring of 2023, he began working on linear movement and fielding. The following year, in the spring of 2024, Byrd came to bat on ECU’s opening weekend against Rider, becoming the first Division I baseball player to play with a prosthetic leg.

Byrd credits his ability to play again to the people who support him: “It’s been a very long process, I’ve had some of the best PTs in the world and a lot of people by my side who have supported me,” said Byrd. After ECU’s season ended, Byrd continued playing baseball with the New Bern Southpaws this summer.

Dave Caccavaro, general manager of the New Bern Southpaws, watched this at-bat and noticed that many people from the New Bern community in the crowd were supporting Byrd. He then approached Byrd’s parents and they agreed that it would be a good opportunity for him to play with the Southpaws in the summer.

Caccavaro praised Byrd’s character and leadership: “He has really stood out as a leader of this team. He is an amazing young man who is fully committed to what we are building here.”

Byrd is encouraged by his time with the Southpaws and excited about how it has shaped him as a player overall. “My time with the Southpaws is helping me get back on the field and being able to play every day has definitely helped make me a better ballplayer,” Byrd said. “I have to take it day by day, believe in myself and trust in God because ultimately His plan is the best plan.”