Paul Byrd

Paul Gregory Byrd (born December 3, 1970 in Louisville, Kentucky) is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher who has played for the New York Mets (1995-1996), Philadelphia Phillies (1998-2000, 2001), Kansas City Royals (2001, 2002), the Atlanta Braves (1997-1998, 2004), and currently plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005-present).

Byrd attented Louisiana State University where he pitched as part of the Tigers baseball team that won the 1991 College World Series. He was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 1991 amateur draft by the Cleveland Indians. Byrd spent 5 years in the minor leagues before being traded to the Mets and making his major league debut on July 28, 1995.

As a member of the Phillies, Byrd was selected for the 1999 All-Star Game. On July 1, 2003 Byrd underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He was able to successfully come back from the operation and pitch in his first postseason appearance for the Braves during the 2004 NLDS.

In December 2004 the Angels signed Byrd to a $5 million(USD), one year contract following the trade of right-hander pitcher Ramon Ortiz to the Cincinnati Reds.

External links

• Baseball Reference (career stats)
• ESPN (profile and daily update)