Arizona Diamondbacks: Former OF Eric Byrnes Doing “Triathlon Across America”
Former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Eric Byrnes is currently performing a triathlon across the country to help his Let Them Play Foundation.
Eric Byrnes is a man of many hats: former MLB outfielder, author, MLB Network analyst, and most surprisingly, endurance athlete. And as an endurance athlete, Byrnes is currently in the middle of his “Triathlon Across America” in order to help “bring awareness to the dwindling Physical Education programs in public schools across the country”.
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On July 22nd, Byrnes started his journey with a seven-mile swim from McCovey Cove in San Francisco to Oakland. Then, he biked 2,344 miles to Chicago and is currently running the final 846 miles to his eventual finish line at Yankee Stadium. Brynes, a baseball junkie, has stopped at several ballparks along the way to spread the word of his Let Them Play Foundation.
Join former @MLB player and @MLBNetwork Analyst @byrnes22 at @FourWindsField THIS MONDAY as part of the #TriAcrossAmerica in an effort to raise awareness and funds for @ltpfoundation. Eric will also present a grant to @bgcsjc. pic.twitter.com/pb7mTKkHfc
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) August 17, 2018
Per the official Let Them Play Foundation website:
"Every dollar raised along the way will be donated to the “Let Them Play Foundation” and will be dispersed to different national & local organizations committed to expanding youth physical education & after school activity programs."
From 2006 until 2009, Byrnes hit .261 with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 439 games. His best season came during the team’s memorable 2007 season which resulted in an NLCS appearance. Byrnes had career-highs in almost every category, resulting in several votes for National League MVP. Among others, he played in a career-high 160 games, stole a career-most 50 bases, and had a career-high 3.7 WAR. On the cover of Byrne’s book, The F*It List, there’s a picture of Byrnes diving for a ball (no surprise) in his D-Backs jersey.
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Besides just playing for the D-Backs, Eric Byrnes also has Phoenix ties from his fallen friend, Arizona legend Pat Tillman. At the end of all his endurance races, Byrnes carries Tillman’s jersey high over his head as he crosses the finish-line. Byrnes has also been a huge supporter of the Pat Tillman Foundation in multiple capacities.
“Triathlon Across America” is slated to end on September 15th in New York City.