Monster Marauder Moving On Up

Jeff Campbell’s dad James played high school baseball at Lakewood. 

His dad played a strong influence in Campbell's early development. Another strong influence was Reggie Williams. The former major league player helped refine Campbell's technique as well.

“I started throwing and hitting a baseball even before tee-ball,” Campbell said.

Campbell made his way through tee ball and little league, much like any other kid, growing up in Pinellas County. He met up with future CCC teammate Ryan Hallam at St.Pete Christian School where they went undefeated, two years in a row. Campbell and Hallam arrived at CCC the same year but by then Campbell was a starting pitcher and Hallam a full-time infielder.

“I think the hardest thing about baseball is all the work that goes into it; all the practices and drills," he said.

Campbell is the power in the CCC lineup. He batted clean-up much of the season and came on strong for the Marauders’ four-game playoff run. Campbell put in 14 innings on the mound in that stretch with eight strikeouts and only giving up an earned run. He pitched six innings in a shutout of Avon Park in the regional quarterfinal.

With the bat, Campbell went five for twelve with a homerun and two walks.

Campbell has a deep love and appreciation for the game.

“My favorite thing about baseball is that you are able to come back out and make up for any mistake you might have made. You don’t have to wait until next week to play again,” he said.

And Campbell will continue playing baseball at the collegiate level. He recently accepted a scholarship offer from The University of North Dakota.