Black History Month: Eddie Campbell

During Black History Month Rollins Athletics is committed to celebrating the extraordinary contributions black student-athletes have made to our athletics programs, and our campus community.  We will, throughout the month, honor the trailblazers who paved the way for black athletes at Rollins.  This project was done with the assistance of the Rollins College Archives and the Rollins College Black Student Union.
 
Rollins sports teams were first integrated in the 1967-68 season, while the first black female student athlete would not join a program until the 1973-74 school year.  Rollins path towards equality has been long and difficult. The collegiate careers of these early student-athletes were not easy, but they were profoundly meaningful.  In the four years following in introduction of Rollins first black student-athletes, Rollins black student population doubled, while Rollins athletic teams went on to compete for conference, regional, and national championships.  While we still have a long way to go, looking at the story of Eddie Campbell, and how far we have come since he first stepped on the diamond at Harper-Shepard Field, can show us what is possible when we are committed to progress.
 
After spending his freshman year at Bethune-Cookman, Eddie Campbell made the short trip west to enroll at Rollins.  During Campbell's first year at Rollins Larry Martinez became the first black athlete to appear in a contest for Rollins, while Eddie served as a manager for the baseball team.  As a junior Campbell earned his spot on the roster, integrating the baseball team along with freshman Chuck Morton.  In his first season in Blue and Gold Campbell made seven appearances, tossing 40.2 innings. He finished fourth on the team in strikeouts, with 39, and ERA, at 4.65.  He also added an RBI on two hits at the plate.  As a senior Campbell grew into the ace of the Rollins staff.  Eddie threw 45.2 innings in nine games, compiling a 5-1 record and a 2.36 ERA, all while leading the Tars to a 21-13 overall record.
 
When Eddie Campbell graduated with his degree in history in 1970 he became the first black student-athlete to graduate from Rollins.  During his time in Winter Park Eddie was also involved around campus, and pushed for Rollins to become a more inclusive campus.
 
Fans can learn more throughout the month by following along at RollinsSports.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest #TARnation news by following Rollins Sports on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.