Mike Campbell was selected seventh overall in the 1982 Major League draft and pitched for the Seattle Mariners between 1987 and 1989.
On Friday, the Mariners issued a statement to share the unfortunate news that Mike Campbell had passed away on Monday age 61 at his home in Kirkland, Washington. The former pitcher had a long-term connection to the Seattle area, graduating from Newport High School in Bellevue and going on to be selected seventh overall in the 1985 June Draft.
Campbell went on to make his Major League debut with the Mariners on July 4 in 1987. He went 2.3 innings and produced four walks and four strikeouts versus the Detroit Tigers.
The righty would subsequently play in parts of the 1987, 1988 and 1989 seasons in Seattle. In that time he started 34 games and produced a 5.74 ERA, 5.15 FIP and 1.486 WHIP over 185.0 combined innings.
Mike Campbell’s connection to another former M’s pitcher
Campbell was part of a draft which included the likes of home run leader Barry Bonds and Hall of Famer Barry Larkin. He was also part of the return package in May of 1989, which saw the Mariners acquire Hall of Famer Randy Johnson and is often referred to as the biggest trade in franchise history.
In all, Campbell enjoyed a 13-year professional career in the majors and minors, also pitching for the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs. For the majors specifically he started 41 of 51 games, went 12-19 and recorded three complete games and 135 strikeouts.
Campbell also produced a .357 batting average in 14 at-bats and three RBIs. As part of the Mariners’ statement, they said:
“The Mariners were saddened to learn today of the passing of Seattle-native Mike Campbell. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, including siblings Erin, Gillian, Matt, and Tim.”
As per Newsweek, after retiring Campbell and former Mariners batboy Steve Towey partnered up to create Shiskaberry’s. The dessert franchise operated concession booths at multiple professional sporting venues.
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Photos court​‌esy of Mariners Media Tim Rogers Photography
Please feel free to share any highlights or other special memories from Campbell’s time with the Mariners or in general, in the comments section below.
