It's hard to put into words what a great guy and great ball player Eric is, but here are a few reasons I made this site:

At the plate: He has hit for average at every stop along his way through the minors and has improved his power and patience this past season and especially in his winter in the Dominican. He is always showing improvement. I think with consistent play-time, he can be a great hitter in the majors. If his desire and hard work are indicators, he'll be an All-Star hitter.

On the base paths: He's really really fast. I mean amazing flat-out speed. He's in a sprint right out of the box, you have to see it to really understand. Eric is undoubtedly the fastest A this season and he is arguably the second fastest guy in the AL (behind Ichiro). He has the ability to steal a bunch of bases, but base running isn't at the top of the A's priorities, due to the walk-walk-3-run homer strategy. But it's still awfully nice to have a guy you can count on to get into scoring position when it really matters. He'll also go all-out to get to first on grounders. Even in the bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, getting trounced, Eric will bust it down the line. He gets on base on ground balls when other players would just walk to the dugout. He gets so excited about being on base, he almost skips to first when he's hit by a pitch. With his speed, the game always becomes more exciting when Byrnes gets on base.

In the field: This may be where I most like to watch Byrnes play. Every time he runs onto the field, he looks so eager to play. I think it's entirely possible that Eric has never stood still for a whole minute in his life. This is evident in the way he patrols the outfield. On every ball that's hit, Eric looks like he's ready to make any play, anywhere, always hopping in the direction of the ball and always ready to back up the play. He still makes mistakes occasionally (doesn't everybody?), but he has also been known to make some incredible plays, making diving catches, jumping into the stands, or sacrificing his body against the wall. In the past he's been accused of poor defense, relying on his speed when he wouldn't get a good read on the ball, but he has improved and continues to improve and I think he is a great defensive outfielder. The A's don't have a spectacular outfield defense besides Dye right now. He's also got an great throwing arm from deep in the field. He plays all three outfield positions, which could also prove beneficial to the A's.

With the fans:He is so nice. I've seen him sign a lot of autographs and interact with the fans (Now that he plays everyday, he doesn't sign much before games, because he's very focused on his task at hand and his routine, so don't get too upset if he doesn't sign for you!). The LF bleacher crew has an "Eric Byrnes Fan Club" sign and he always waves when he comes into the game. He seems to really appreciate the fan support.
The first time I ever saw Eric in person was at Fan Fest '01. He and Zito were reading books to little kids. He looked like he was genuinely enjoying himself. It was just the cutest thing ever. I've had the opportunity to talk to him a bunch of times and he has been so nice to me and to people around me. He's just a really down-to-earth guy and so sweet.

With the team: He's just intense and excited and energetic all the time and he brings that passion and energy to any team he's on. I can only guess that it's at least a little contagious. He definitely seems to bring a special positive evergy to the dugout. Byrnsie is willing to help the team in any way he is asked and he always seems to have a good attitude about it.

Off the field: I have full confidence that we will never see Eric involved in any sort of incident or arrest involving any form of alcohol or drug abuse, violence of any form, multiple failed marriages, illegitimate kids, or any other incidents that professional athletes seem to get involved in these days. He's just not that kind of guy.

In the many articles I've read, nearly every one of his coaches talks about his unmatched work ethic and incredible attitude. He always looks like he's excited to be playing baseball and he is especially eager to improve. His intensity and sheer joy in playing are apparent and sincere. He has worked extraordinarily hard to improve his game and it really shows. Recently, he has finally been given a decent opportunity to prove himself in the big leagues, and he has more than proven that he belongs. He has an incredible drive and desire to succeed and there is no doubt in my mind that he will be a huge star for a long time to come. I just hope it will be in Oakland for his entire long career.

I made an Eric Byrnes web site because he's a great ballplayer, exciting to watch, hard-working, has a positive attitude about pretty much everything, and is a great all-around guy. You've just got to respect a guy who plays all out, all the time and looks like he's having a great time doing it. I also love the high socks.