In the News
Long-Time ONC Coach Don Campbell Receives
Ottawa Sports Award for Lifetime Achievement
22 Jan 2009
Story by Martin Cleary, The Ottawa Citizen
There's more to being a baseball coach than just filling out the lineup card, instructing and motivating the players, and occasionally disagreeing with the umpires.
Just ask Ottawa-Nepean Canadians' Don Campbell, who during his 28 years as a coach knows the importance of arriving at the diamond two hours in advance to help cut the grass, rake the infield or organize parents to buy food for the players between a doubleheader.
In the end, when all of those little things that don't show up in the box score are added to the hundreds of memorable player moments, big things can happen.
One of those heart-stoppers occurred for Campbell last night during the Ottawa Sports Awards dinner at Algonquin College that could rank with watching his players develop their careers through university or minor league baseball opportunities.
Campbell, who is in his 25th year at the Citizen and works as a sports writer, was presented the lifetime achievement award for sports volunteer or administrator for his service to baseball spanning four decades.
"There's so many people out there more deserving of this than I think I am," Campbell, 49, said about the award.
"But I am honoured to accept this on behalf of all the great kids I have had the good fortune to coach over the years."
When pitcher Mike Kusiewicz was drafted by Colorado Rockies in 1994, a tearful Campbell enjoyed one of his proudest moments. He had coached the teenager for two years and then watched him work his way through the Minor League Baseball system for 14 years and play for Canada at the 2004 Olympics.
Campbell still keeps tabs on Sebastian Boucher, a Seattle Mariners' draft pick in 2004 who currently competes at the Triple-A level.
When shortstop Alex Baldock and pitcher Brett Sabourin accepted baseball scholarships to the University of Buffalo and Niagara University respectively in 2008, it was a first for him to see two players go that route in one year.
Campbell also coached top all-around player Shawn O'Connor for nine years and is now coaching Khifer O'Connor, the nephew of the five-year national team pitcher, on his Canadians' under-18 team.
For Campbell, baseball is not as much about wins and losses as it's about developing players, offering chances to play at a high level, and talking to scouts about prospects.
"This shouldn't be their high-water mark," Campbell said. "But we want to ensure a good environment to play in and that someone is looking out for them."
Campbell has seen 40 players play university baseball or be selected in the Major League Baseball draft.
"I've always liked the game," said Campbell, who as a child saw Willie Mays and Willie McCovey hit back-to-back home runs at Jarry Park or would quietly listen to a Montreal Expos' broadcast from under his bed pillow.
"I never started out to do it for a long time. But it has been year to year to year."
Campbell started with the neighbourhood McKellar Park juvenile Phillies in 1975 before becoming Carlingwood Big League head coach. He also had a three-year run with the Pinecrest Little League junior all-stars. He joined the Canadians in 1982 and has spent about 20 years with the club, including the final seven with an indoor training component.
"Over the years, I've gained some confidence, some knowledge and a little experience. I've always had a good bunch of players to coach," said Campbell, who shares coaching duties for the Canadians' under-18 team with John McDonald and Tim Nelson of Team Canada.
"Some guys golf. It (baseball) is more than a hobby. It's definitely a passion."
For the record, Campbell coached the Canadians to the 1994 Ontario Baseball Association senior and 1995 New York State Stan Musial (open) League championships.