“It was surreal.”

It was very surreal, Byrd said.

Byrd underwent 22 surgeries in 45 days and a rollercoaster of emotions.

Parker Byrd took the field for the first time since his boating accident.

Courtesy East Carolina Baseball.

His mom, without hesitation said, Well, there always has to be a first.

Why cant it be you?

Eventually he graduated to a walker and then he tried one handed drills on a stool.

Parker Byrd took the field in front of a sellout crowd.

Courtesy East Carolina Baseball.

The crowd - a sellout - erupted in cheers and applause.

I was never able to get too emotionally down just because they showed so much hope.

But hes confident his experience has paved the way for something bigger than the game.

My goal in life now is to inspire others.