Inspiration
Parker Byrd has been a life-long fan of East Carolina University. When they offered him a baseball scholarship in 9th grade, he committed on the spot. In the summer of 2022, a boating accident required the amputation of his lower right leg (and a total of 45 surgeries). When thoughts of playing baseball arose, he noted that there had never been a Division I player with a prosthetic leg, to which his mom responded, "There always has to be a first. Why not you?"
Once Parker identified his goal of becoming the first Division I baseball player with a prosthetic, he quickly moved on to asking, "How?" As Parker puts it, "Quit making excuses on why you can't, and figure out how you will." In the
last edition of The 90%, we discussed the importance of asking, "How?" as a key part of goal-setting. Demonstrating the importance of social support, the Byrd family put together a team of supporters who shared the belief that he would play again, a step that Parker called key to his recovery. Soon, he was taking pitches in his wheel chair while visualizing hitting. He progressed to one handed swings while sitting on a stool, to leaning on a crutch, to his first swings with his new prosthetic. All along, he reminded himself, "You always have a chance."
On February 16th, Parker became the first player with a prosthetic to appear in a Division I game, earning a standing ovation and a pinch-hit walk. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed his great gratitude for the opportunity.
To learn more about Parker's journey, check out this
interview (7:03) or follow his
Instagram.