The speedy Byrne was a defensive stalwart with excellent range. He started his major league career with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1907 season. Acquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in late August 1909, he contributed for his new club down the stretch, including allowing Tommy Leach to stay in center field. Used mainly in the leadoff spot by the Pirates, Byrne made just two errors while hitting .256 with eight stolen bases.
Despite a low .259 batting average in 1911, Byrne scored 96 runs with 23 stolen bases and set career highs in triples (17) and games played (153). He raised his batting average to .288 in 1912, with 31 doubles, 11 triples, and 20 steals.
In the 1913 midseason Byrne was traded by Pittsburgh along with pitcherHowie Camnitz to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for utility Cozy Dolan and cash considerations. In 1917 he was selected off waivers by the Chicago White Sox from the Phillies, making his last major league appearance in the 1917 World Series.
In an 11-season career, Byrne was a .254 hitter (1225-for-4831) with 10 home runs and 331 runs batted in during 1283 games. He also collected 176 stolen bases and posted an above average walk-to-strikeout ratio of 2.07 (456-to-220).
Soccer
Byrne played soccer in the St. Louis Soccer League during the off-season. When he signed with the Pirates, team president Barney Dreyfuss ordered him to give it up.[1]
Following his baseball career, Byrne was owner of a bowling alley in St. Louis.[2]
