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Former MLB pitcher Mike Campbell, a key part of the blockbuster trade that brought Hall of Famer Randy Johnson to Seattle, has died. He was 61 years old.
The Mariners, who selected Campbell in the first round of the 1985 MLB draft, announced his death Friday.
“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.
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Online records from the King County medical examiner’s office showed Campbell died Monday at his home. The cause of his death was considered pending.
Campbell was drafted seventh overall out of the University of Hawaii and made his MLB debut as a right-handed pitcher on July 4, 1987. He made appearances with the team until 1989, when he was then named in a trade that sent Mark Langston to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Randy Johnson, Brian Holman and Gene Harris.
Seattle Mariners pitcher Randy Johnson (51) pitches against the Oakland Athletics during a Major League Baseball game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Johnson played for the Mariners from 1989 to 1998. The game took place in Oakland, California around 1993. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
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Campbell appeared in 51 MLB games for four teams, including the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs, for whom he last played in 1996. He compiled a 12-19 record with 135 strikeouts and a 5.86 ERA.
Montreal Expos pitcher Mike Campbell in action during a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. The Orioles won the game 11-9. The match took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on March 2, 1998. (IMAGNE/Jamie Squire)
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Injuries to his throwing arm blighted much of his career and he officially retired from the game in 1999 after stints in independent and international leagues.
