ECU’s Parker Byrd gets special recognition by Gov. Stein

by | Apr 25, 2025

East Carolina University baseball player Parker Byrd received special recognition on Thursday from Gov. Josh Stein.

Byrd, who lost part of his right leg in a boating accident in Bath in 2022, received the Laurel Wreath Award during a ceremony. He was one of 10 people recognized by Stein at the ceremony, held at the Governor’s Mansion.

The Laurel Wreath Award is given by the governor to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sports or athletics. It also acknowledges their exceptional achievements and dedication to sports within the state.

Byrd has since been fitted for a prosthetic leg after the part of his leg just above the kneecap was removed. In 2024, he became the first player in NCAA Division I baseball to play in a game with a prosthetic leg. This season, he’s gotten his first RBI on a sacrifice fly and his first hit.

Photo credit: Parker Byrd, left, with the nine others recognized by Gov. Josh Stein on Thursday (Gov. Josh Stein’s press office photo)

Check out Pirate Radio

Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube

Top Headlines

PRL Thurday: NFL draft is here for Pirates, other draft prospects

Thursday marks the start of the NFL draft and "Pirate Radio Live" will help you get ready for it. Clip, Chandler and the gang will discuss the draft, which runs Thursday-Saturday. Former ECU stars like Shavon Revel, Winston Wright, Rahjai Harris and others hope to...

Shavon Revel among athletes to sign with adidas

Former East Carolina star Shavon Revel has his sneaker contract. All he needs now is a team to wear them for. On3.com and other media outlets report Revel was one of 12 athletes to sign with adidas on Wednesday. The news comes ahead of the NFL draft, which starts...

Pirates in baseball: Burleson has three-hit game in Cards’ loss

It was a slow night for the Pirates playing baseball … except for Alec Burleson. The East Carolina grad had three hits in a 4-1 loss to the Braves on Wednesday. He got his first hit in the first inning and then singled again in the sixth and eighth. Each time, the...

ECU mourns the passing of Hall Of Fame athlete Jim Bolding

On Wednesday, East Carolina University announced the passing of one of its Hall of Fame athletes, Jim Bolding. Below is more information from ECU Sports Information. Check out Pirate Radio Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube ===== Photo...

40th Annual Pigskin Pig-Out starts Friday

East Carolina University has provided details about this weekend's 40th annual Great Pirate Purple/Gold Pigskin Pig-Out. Read more below from ECU Sports Information. Check out Pirate Radio Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube ===== Photo...

Pirates announce signing of Corey Caulker

East Carolina Sports Information announced the signing of a point guard from the transfer portal, Corey Caulker. Below is more information from ECU. Check out Pirate Radio Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube ===== Photo credit: Corey...

PRL Wednesday: One day til the NFL draft begins

We're halfway to the weekend, but something big is happening starting Thursday. "Pirate Radio Live" will have lots to talk about, including the start of the NFL draft. Clip, Chandler and the gang will discuss that and much more with the following guests: 🏴‍☠️🏈 Today...

Pirates pick up 6-foot-10 forward from transfer portal

The East Carolina men’s basketball team picked up a big man from the transfer portal for the 2025-26 season. Literally. Pirates announce signing of Corey Caulker I’m very fortunate to say that I’m going to be able to play for Coach Schwartz at ECU!#Gopirates...

ECU alum Tommy Eason gets win No. 600 at PCC

Pitt Community College baseball coach Tommy Eason picked up his 600th career win on Tuesday. Congratulations to @pittccbaseball Head Coach Tommy Eason on earning his 600th career victory last night! The Bulldogs defeated Lenoir CC 16-4, and will travel to Fayetteville...

NC State scores three in sixth inning to rally past Pirates

The NC State softball team rallied for three runs in the sixth inning to beat East Carolina 4-3 on Tuesday. Below is a press release from ECU Sports Information. Check out Pirate Radio Website | Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube ===== Photo credit:...