Five Questions With Former CCC Baseball Star Jeff Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell, a product who earned an athletic scholarship to the University of North Dakota following his senior season with the Marauders, recently completed a spectacular freshman season with the Fighting Sioux. 

Campbell, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound. first baseman/pitcher, was named to Collegiate Baseball’s Freshman All American team following a season in which he hit .326 with a team-leading 12 home runs and 47 RBIs.

He also hit 14 doubles and two triples, won four games as a pitcher, and was the only Fighting Sioux player to start all 56 of the team's games. 

In addition to becoming the first North Dakota baseball player to be named to a Division I All American team, Campbell was named the Great West Conference Newcomer of the Year, earned a utility spot on the All-GWC squad, and made the All-GWC tournament team after leading UND to a third place finish. 

Clearwater Patch touched base with Campbell, who is currently playing in the Florida Collegiate Summer League in Orlando, and asked him about his terrific freshman year and the adjustments he had to make after moving from sunny Clearwater to chilly Grand Forks. 

How difficult was it to adjust to life in North Dakota, so far away from home? 

It was kinda hard getting used to a different type of life, but once baseball got started, life went right back to normal because I am so used to playing year round, whereas guys up there aren't used to it.  

What were the biggest challenges, on or off the field, you faced in your first season of college ball?

The schoolwork and travel. We were gone so much that it was hard to stay caught up in classes. Also we had some long travel days and early travel days so that was a little different. But once (I got) on the field, it was just a game. 

Are you surprised you had such a successful freshman season?

My success surprised me a little. I was expecting to hit a couple of home runs and hit close to .300, but I wasn’t expecting double-digit home runs or to bat .320. If anyone tells you they expect that as a freshmen, they are just talking themselves up too high.  

Are you still in contact with any of your former coaches and/or teammates at Clearwater Central Catholic? What are your thoughts on the team?

I have kept contact with some of my fellow teammates, and we were really disappointed when we found out they lost the first game of districts. But then we thought that when we were sophomores, we did the same thing, so I know that they will be just fine in the next year or so.  

How do you see yourself performing next season?

I can see it happening again, it's just gonna take even more hard work and dedication. There should be no reason I shouldn’t repeat my performance.