Campbell's journey to the Major Leagues was characterized by determination and perseverance. He began his professional baseball career when he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955. Despite being briefly loaned to the Chicago White Sox organization and playing six seasons without reaching Double-A level, he continued to pursue his dream.
In preparation for their inaugural Major League Baseball season in 1962, the Colt .45s, which later became the Houston Astros, acquired Campbell after he was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves and subsequently traded. He was initially assigned to the Houston Buffs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, and later moved up to the Oklahoma City 89ers of the American Association in 1962.
Campbell made a notable impact during his time with the 89ers, boasting a batting average of .350 in 70 games. This performance earned him a promotion to the big-league Colt .45s in July of that year. He appeared in 27 games during the remainder of the 1962 season, primarily as a starting catcher, with a batting average of .221, three home runs, and six runs batted in.
While Campbell began the 1963 season on the Houston roster, his stint at the Major League level was short-lived. He struggled with his batting performance, and by July, he made his final MLB appearance as a pinch hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies. Campbell's Major League career encompassed 82 games, 54 hits, seven home runs, and seven doubles.
Following his brief Major League tenure, Campbell continued to play in the minor leagues, predominantly at the Triple-A level, until 1965, showcasing his dedication to the sport of baseball.
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