Playing Hardball with Harry Byrd, Baseball Player

Harry Byrd dreamed of being a successful baseball player, just like many. But when his dream came true, it was much harder than expected. Many picture a pro career as an instant success and instant fame. Fans screaming and chanting and rooting for their favorites at all times... But for Harry Byrd, the dream turned out to be much different. His career was not a sudden windfall of fame, homeruns and glory. In fact, his career was volatile and confusing most of the time. Harry Byrd was a pitcher who started out in Darlington South Carolina. He literally started out in South Carolina because he was born there. As he grew up, he realized he had special skill in pitching. He started playing for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1950 with high hopes. Those hopes were short lived, as the team did not keep him. This play was only with the Philadelphia Athletics until 1953 and then was traded out. His next stop was with the New York Yankees, a team people love to hate. The time with the Yankees was just for one season and Harry Byrd was out again. This time, the pitcher moved over to the team of the Baltimore Orioles. Again, the stay with this team was extremely short and he was traded. After that, it was the Chicago White Sox and finally, the Detroit Tigers. It’s easy to see that this was a pitcher who got a reputation for variety. For some, this would be an ideal career choice. For Harry Byrd, a confusing time in what was a lifelong dream.

Harry Byrd was lucky in some respects; that is, he got to play pro-baseball. But part of the fun of this sport is creating a team. Over the years, this team becomes like a family in the sports world. He did not have a chance to develop this type of camaraderie.

Still, Harry Byrd was an outstanding pitcher and had a solid reputation around town. Those who followed his career were bothered by its constant changes, but he kept working. He was a hard worker known for throwing a mean pitch. The reason why so many teams wanted him, was that he could play.

Harry Byrd is also a good lesson in perseverance and about not giving up dreams. Originally, he was placed back in the minors after his first season. Some would have given up the game at that point. But he knew he had already come too far and didn't want to quit.

He tried even harder and was put back into the Major Leagues. This is when the constant push from team to team began. Still, he continued to work hard and do his best, gaining respect. A role model for perseverance, Harry Byrd is a baseball player who won't be forgotten.