Former Mariners Pitcher Mike Campbell Dies at 61

Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Mike Campbell, a first-round draft pick whose career included a key role in the trade that brought Hall of Famer Randy Johnson to the team, has died. He was 61.

Campbell passed away on Monday at his home in Kirkland, Washington, according to records from the King County Medical Examiner's Office. The Mariners announced his death on Friday, stating, "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 cause of death remains pending.

A lifelong Seattle resident, Campbell grew up playing baseball on local fields. He attended West Seattle High School before transferring to Newport High School in Bellevue, where his skills as a right-handed pitcher caught the attention of scouts. Campbell continued his development at the University of Hawaii, where he became a standout for the Rainbow Warriors. Named to the All-Western Athletic Conference team in 1984 and 1985, he led the team in innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins those seasons, posting a 3.93 ERA in 1985 and serving as the opening-day starter both years.

The Mariners selected Campbell seventh overall in the...