Parker Byrd Awarded North Carolina Laurel Wreath

RALEIGH, N.C. – East Carolina's Parker Byrd has been honored as a recipient of the Laurel Wreath by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein. Byrd was recognized Thursday afternoon in a ceremony at the governor's mansion in Raleigh.

The Laurel Wreath is presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics.

A shortstop from Laurinburg, North Carolina, Parker Byrd began his Division I baseball journey as a highly recruited, nationally ranked infielder who committed to play for the Pirates. Entering his freshman year, his promising future seemed certain until July 23, 2022, when a life-altering boating accident changed everything.

In that fateful moment, Parker faced severe life-threatening injuries and suffered extensive damage to both of his legs. Despite surgeons' best efforts, the decision was made on August 4, 2022, to amputate his right leg below the knee. Parker was confronted with an unimaginable obstacle - becoming one of the first NCAA Division I baseball players to play with a prosthetic. It was a challenge most deemed impossible.

Enduring an arduous journey marked by a 28-day hospital stay and an astonishing 22 surgeries, Parker defied the odds. Remarkably, just 13 months after the accident, he returned to the baseball field. Following an extensive rehab regimen, Parker stepped up to the plate in the season opener (Feb. 16, 2024) for his first official at bat since the accident just 19 months earlier. In a twist of fate, Parker earned a walk - a poignant irony considering the uncertainty about whether he would ever walk again. Parker has solidified his place as a pioneer in Division I baseball.

In 2025, Parker registered his first collegiate RBI via a sacrifice fly in ECU's 11 victory over VCU in Richmond before logging his first hit in the Pirates' very next game – a 12-0 run-rule win over William & Mary at Clark-LeClair Stadium.

Through his incredible journey, one which is far from finished, Parker not only has defied the odds but also inspired others with his resilience and courage. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and achieve the seemingly impossible.

Players Mentioned

Parker Byrd

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