Mike Campbell, Former Mariners Pitcher and Key Figure in Randy Johnson Trade, Dies at 61
SEATTLE, Wash. — Mike Campbell, a former Major League Baseball pitcher and a pivotal figure in the trade that brought Hall of Famer Randy Johnson to the Seattle Mariners, died Monday at the age of 61. Campbell, a Seattle native and the Mariners’ first-round draft pick in 1985, was remembered by the team and fans for his contributions both on and off the field.
The Mariners announced Campbell’s passing on Friday, expressing condolences to his family and loved ones. According to online records from the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Campbell died at his home, with the cause of death currently pending.
Drafted seventh overall out of the University of Hawaii, Campbell made his Major League debut on July 4, 1987, as a right-handed pitcher for the Mariners. He played with Seattle until 1989, before becoming a central piece in a blockbuster trade that sent Mark Langston to the Montreal Expos. In return, the Mariners acquired Randy Johnson, Brian Holman, and Gene Harris—a deal that would profoundly shape the franchise’s future.
Campbell’s career spanned 51 MLB games across four teams, including the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs, where he last played in 1996. Over his career, he compiled a 12-19 win-loss record, struck out 135 batters, and posted a 5.86 earned run average. Despite his potential, injuries to his throwing arm limited his time on the mound, ultimately leading to his retirement in 1999 after playing in independent and international leagues.
The Seattle Mariners, who selected Campbell in the first round of the 1985 MLB Draft, paid tribute to the former pitcher, highlighting his Seattle roots and his lasting impact on the organization. “We are saddened by the passing of Seattle native and former Mariners’ pitcher Mike Campbell. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones,” the team said in a statement shared on social media.
Campbell’s role in the trade that brought Randy Johnson to Seattle remains a defining moment in Mariners history. Johnson would go on to become one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, earning multiple Cy Young Awards and eventually induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The trade is often cited as a turning point that helped elevate the Mariners’ competitiveness in the 1990s.
For more on MLB history and player statistics, the official Major League Baseball website provides comprehensive records and updates. Additionally, the Baseball Reference site offers detailed career statistics and transaction histories.
Mike Campbell’s passing marks the loss of a player whose career intersected with a transformative era for the Mariners and Major League Baseball. His contributions, though sometimes overshadowed by the stars he helped bring to Seattle, remain an important part of the sport’s rich tapestry.
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