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Paul Byrd

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Paul Byrd
Byrd with the Cleveland Indians in March 2007
Pitcher
Born: (1970-12-03) December 3, 1970 (age 53)
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 28, 1995, for the New York Mets
Last MLB appearance
October 1, 2009, for the Boston Red Sox
MLB statistics
Win–loss record109–96
Earned run average4.41
Strikeouts923
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Paul Gregory Byrd (born December 3, 1970), is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher, who is currently a TV sports broadcaster for Atlanta Braves games on Bally Sports Southeast. While pitching in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1995 to 2009, Byrd was known as being the "nicest guy in baseball".[1] Late in his career, he developed an old-fashioned, early twentieth-century windup in which he swung his arms back and forth to create deception and momentum.[2] Byrd became recognizable and well known for his unique delivery.[3]

High school, college and minor leagues

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Byrd played his high school career at Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky. He was originally drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 13th round (332nd overall) of the 1988 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign and chose to attend college.[4] Byrd attended Louisiana State University where he pitched as part of the Tigers baseball team that won the 1991 College World Series. After the season, he was drafted in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 1991 Major League Baseball draft by the Cleveland Indians.[5] Byrd spent the first four seasons of his career pitching in Cleveland's minor league system, reaching Triple-A in 1994. On November 18, 1994, Byrd was traded to the New York Mets alongside Jerry Dipoto, Dave Mlicki, and a player to be named later (minor leaguer Jesus Azuaje) in exchange for Jeromy Burnitz and Joe Roa.[6][7]

Major leagues

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New York Mets

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Byrd made his major league debut for the Mets on July 28, 1995, allowing two hits and an earned run in 2⁄3 of an inning in a 10–9 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.[8] He made 17 relief appearances in his first year with the Mets, going 2–0 with a 2.05 ERA.[7] In 1996, Byrd continued his role in the Mets' bullpen, going 1–2 with a 4.24 ERA in 38 appearances.[7]

Atlanta Braves

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On November 26, 1996, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with a player to be named later in exchange for Greg McMichael.[7][9] Byrd spent most of the 1997 season in the bullpen, but on July 31, he made his first career start against the Florida Marlins. He pitched well, tossing six innings of one-run ball while striking out four, but he was tagged with the loss in a 1–0 defeat.[10] In 31 games (four starts), Byrd went 4–4 with a 5.26 ERA.[7] He spent most of the 1998 season with the Triple-A Richmond Braves, going 5–5 with a 3.69 ERA in 17 starts, and made one appearance with Atlanta (13.50 ERA).[7][11]

Philadelphia Phillies

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On August 14, 1998, Byrd was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Phillies.[7] Three days later on August 17, he made his first start with the Phillies against Randy Johnson and the Houston Astros. In the game, he tossed his first career complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out six batters in a 4–0 win.[12] In his next start, Byrd tossed another complete game on August 22 against the Colorado Rockies. He allowed one earned run on five hits with four strikeouts in the 6–1 victory.[13] In eight total starts with the Phillies, he finished 5–2 with a 2.29 ERA.[7]

In 1999, Byrd was selected to the All-Star Game for the only time in his career. He finished the season 15–11 with a 4.60 ERA in 32 starts, and led the majors in hit batsmen, with 17.[7] Byrd began the 2000 season poorly, going 1–5 with a 7.86 ERA in his first nine starts. On June 2, he was optioned to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons.[14] After making three starts and going 2–0 with a 1.73 ERA with Scranton, Byrd was recalled on June 18 when Andy Ashby was placed on the disabled list.[15] In August, he underwent right shoulder surgery and missed the rest of the season.[16] In 17 games (15 starts), Byrd finished 2–9 with a 6.51 ERA.[7] He returned to the Phillies on May 27, 2001.[17] Byrd appeared in three games (one start) with the team that year, going 0–1 with an 8.10 ERA.[7]

Kansas City Royals

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On June 5, 2001, Byrd was traded to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for pitcher José Santiago.[18] He pitched effectively in the Royals' rotation to close the season, going 6–6 with a 4.05 ERA in 16 games (15 starts).[7] In 2002, despite pitching for a Royals team that lost 100 games, Byrd posted the best season of his career. He finished the season with a 17–11 record, a 3.90 ERA, and an AL-leading seven complete games in 33 starts.[7] After the season, he became a free agent.

Atlanta Braves (second stint)

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Byrd parlayed his successful 2002 season into a two-year, $10 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, which he signed on December 17, 2002.[19] On July 1, 2003, Byrd underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.[20] He was able to successfully come back from the operation in 2004, and finished the season 8–7 with a 3.94 ERA in 19 starts.[7] He also made his first postseason appearance for the Braves during the 2004 National League Division Series, recording the loss in Game 3 after replacing an injured John Thomson in the first inning.[21] In two combined appearances, Byrd was 0–1 with a 6.35 ERA as the Braves ultimately lost to the Houston Astros in five games.[7]

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

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On December 14, 2004, the Anaheim Angels signed Byrd to a one-year, $5 million(USD) contract following the trade of right-handed pitcher Ramón Ortiz to the Cincinnati Reds.[22][23] Byrd made 31 starts in 2005, and finished 12–11 with a 3.74 earned run average in 204+1⁄3 innings with the Angels.[7] He was tied for second in the American League with 22 quality starts.[24] In the 2005 American League Division Series, Byrd struggled in Game 3 against the New York Yankees, allowing four earned runs on seven hits in 3+2⁄3 innings pitched, but the Angels managed to win, 11–7.[25] Byrd fared much better in the 2005 American League Championship Series, going 1–0 with a 3.38 ERA in his two starts.[7] However, the Chicago White Sox defeated the Angels in five games.[26]

Cleveland Indians

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On December 4, 2005, Byrd agreed to a two-year, $14.25 million deal with the Cleveland Indians. The deal included a club option for 2008.[27] He made 31 starts in his first season with Cleveland, going 10–9 with a 4.88 ERA.[7]

In 2007, Byrd was 15–8 with a 4.59 ERA and tied for the AL lead with two shutouts in 31 starts.[7] His record was the third-best record on the Indians behind CC Sabathia and Fausto Carmona.[28] On October 8, Byrd was the winning pitcher in a 6–4 win against the New York Yankees, giving the Indians a 3–1 series win in the 2007 American League Division Series.[29] Byrd pitched again on October 16, this time against the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS. He went five innings, giving up two earned runs and striking out four, gaining the victory in an Indians 7–3 win to take a 3–1 lead in the best of seven series.[30] The Red Sox went on to win the next three games to take the series in seven games, eliminating Cleveland from contention.[28] On November 6, Byrd's option for 2008 was exercised, keeping him in Cleveland for another season.[31]

Byrd began the 2008 season with a 7–10 record and a 4.53 ERA in 22 starts with Cleveland.[7]

Boston Red Sox

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On August 12, 2008, Byrd was traded from Cleveland to the Boston Red Sox for a player to be named later (Mickey Hall).[32] He made eight starts with the Red Sox to close out the season, going 4–2 with a 4.78 ERA.[7]

A free agent at the end of the season, Byrd announced on January 14, 2009, that he would sit out the beginning of the 2009 season to spend more time with his family and likely sign a deal with a contending team midseason. Byrd mentioned he would like to sign with a team that is close to his home in Georgia.[33] On August 5, 2009, the Red Sox signed Byrd to a minor-league contract.[34] He made his first major league start of the 2009 season on August 30 against the Toronto Blue Jays, tossing six scoreless innings while giving up three hits and three walks.[35] In seven games (six starts), Byrd was 1–3 with a 5.82 ERA.[7]

HGH controversy

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On October 21, 2007, Byrd was accused of using HGH by the San Francisco Chronicle. The paper accused him of spending $24,850 on HGH and syringes from 2002 to 2005.[36] Byrd defended himself, claiming that he was being treated for a tumor on his pituitary gland, and took the drugs under medical supervision.[37] Subsequent news reports assert that Byrd began taking HGH before any pituitary gland condition was diagnosed and that one of the medical professionals to have prescribed Byrd HGH was a Florida dentist whose dental license had been suspended for fraud and incompetence.[38] Rob Manfred, then MLB senior vice president for business and labor, asserted that Byrd did not have a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) as he claimed.[39]

On December 13, 2007, Byrd was cited in the Mitchell Report on illegal use of performance-enhancing substances in baseball.[40]

Personal

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Byrd has written a book called Free Byrd about his life, detailing both his devout Christianity and past struggles with pornography, among other things.[41] Byrd's wife, Kym, is a certified life coach where she helps married athletes with the rigors of their unique marriages. Together, with Paul's help, Kym surveys couples in baseball in hopes of helping those families in need.[42] Through an organization called CRU, Paul and Kym currently travel to various colleges around the United States speaking to students about "Faith in Sports" and "How to Stay Married in a Career Dominated Lifestyle."

Broadcasting

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Until 2021, Byrd was a TV sports broadcaster with Bally Sports Southeast covering Atlanta Braves games. He did on-field interviews and provided analytical color commentary in tandem with the Braves' play-by-play announcer Chip Caray and Jeff Francoeur.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Salisbury, Jim (August 18, 1998). "One Up on Big Unit, Byrd Shuts Out Astros". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  2. ^ Murr, Chuck (October 16, 2007). "ALCS Quotebook: Paul Byrd". Scout.com. Archived from the original on January 20, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2011.
  3. ^ Caple, Jim (October 15, 2007). "Caple: Byrd's delivery takes us back -- way back". ESPN. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  4. ^ "13th Round of the 1988 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  5. ^ "4th Round of the 1991 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Frey, Jennifer (November 19, 1994). "BASEBALL; Mets Trade Burnitz to Indians for Pitching". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v "Paul Byrd Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  8. ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates vs New York Mets Box Score: July 28, 1995". Baseball-Reference.com. July 28, 1995. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  9. ^ "Even Braves Have to Cut Back; They Deal McMichael to Mets". Chicago Tribune. November 26, 1996. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  10. ^ "Atlanta Braves vs Florida Marlins Box Score: July 31, 1997". Baseball-Reference.com. July 31, 1997. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  11. ^ "Paul Byrd Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  12. ^ "Phils go to Byrd to stop Johnson". Tampa Bay Times. August 18, 1998. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  13. ^ "Colorado Rockies vs Philadelphia Phillies Box Score: August 22, 1998". Baseball-Reference.com. August 22, 1998. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  14. ^ "Phillies demote pitcher Paul Byrd". United Press International. June 2, 2000. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  15. ^ "Infected blister sends Phillies hurler to DL". ESPN. Associated Press. June 18, 2000. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  16. ^ "THE NL SIDE". Hartford Courant. August 6, 2000. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  17. ^ "Paul Byrd 2001 Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  18. ^ "Phils send Byrd to K.C. for reliever Santiago". The Morning Call. June 6, 2001. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  19. ^ "Braves sign Paul Byrd". United Press International. December 17, 2002. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  20. ^ "Byrd to undergo Tommy John surgery". accessWDUN. June 30, 2004. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  21. ^ "2004 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 3, Atlanta Braves vs Houston Astros: October 9, 2004". Baseball-Reference.com. October 9, 2004. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  22. ^ Miller, Doug (December 14, 2004). "Byrd lands with Angels". Anaheim Angels. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2005. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  23. ^ Miller, Doug (December 14, 2004). "Angels trade Ortiz for prospect". Anaheim Angels. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2005. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  24. ^ "2005 MLB Player Pitching Stat Leaders". MLB.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  25. ^ "2005 American League Division Series (ALDS) Game 3, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs New York Yankees: October 7, 2005". Baseball-Reference.com. October 7, 2005. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  26. ^ "2005 ALCS - Chicago White Sox over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (4-1)". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  27. ^ "Byrd, Indians agree to terms on two-year contract". ESPN. December 4, 2005. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  28. ^ a b "2007 Cleveland Indians Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  29. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (October 9, 2007). "Byrd's uplifting outing clinches ALDS". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  30. ^ Castrovince, Anthony (October 17, 2007). "Outburst puts Tribe one win from Series". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  31. ^ "Indians exercise 2008 club options for RHP Joe Borowski, RHP Paul Byrd and LHP Aaron Fultz". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. November 6, 2007. Archived from the original on November 8, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2024.
  32. ^ Gribble, Andrew (August 12, 2008). "Byrd flies from Cleveland to Boston". Cleveland Indians. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 15, 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  33. ^ Langosch, Jenifer (January 14, 2009). "Byrd to sit out start of '09 season". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on January 26, 2009. Retrieved January 14, 2009.
  34. ^ Rosenthal, Ken (August 5, 2009). "Source: Red Sox sign free-agent righty Byrd". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on August 9, 2009. Retrieved August 6, 2009.
  35. ^ Hurley, Michael (August 30, 2009). "Paul Byrd Makes Most of Return to Red Sox". NESN. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
  36. ^ Williams, Lance; Fainaru-Wada, Mark (October 21, 2007). "Cleveland pitcher spent thousands on human growth hormone". SFGate. Retrieved October 21, 2007. Paul Byrd, the veteran pitcher who has helped the Cleveland Indians reach the brink of the World Series, bought nearly $25,000 worth of human growth hormone and syringes from a Florida anti-aging clinic that was targeted by law enforcement for illegally distributing performance-enhancing drugs, business records show.
  37. ^ Brown, Tim (October 22, 2007). "Byrd: HGH was for serious condition". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
  38. ^ Williams, Lance; Fainaru-Wada, Mark; Slusser, Susan (October 22, 2007). "Indians pitcher Byrd says growth hormone was prescribed by doctor". SFGate. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
  39. ^ "Indians' Byrd says he took HGH under 'doctor's care and supervision'". ESPN. October 22, 2007. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  40. ^ Mitchell, George (December 13, 2007). "Mitchell Report on Steroid Use in Baseball" (PDF). MLB.com. Retrieved December 13, 2007.
  41. ^ Sam, Sam (October 17, 2007). "Paul Byrd's struggle to walk with God". ESPN. Retrieved October 17, 2007.
  42. ^ "The Overwhelmingly Interesting Kym Byrd Interview". Jimmy Scott's High & Tight. Archived from the original on October 9, 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2021.
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