UPDATED: Legendary OC Batbuster & Pacifica High Coach Mark Campbell Died Monday Morning

UPDATED Monday 6:10 am PST: We’re sad to report that Mark Campbell has passed away Monday morning… here’s the news from the OC Batbusters Facebook page:

We spoke to OC Batbusters organizational head Mike Stith Monday morning later after Coach Campbell’s passing as Stith was on his way to the hospital to be with the Campbell family.

Asked what his memory would be of Mark Campbell, he stated:

“When you’re in our (softball) world, there’s not a lot of people you can fully trust. With Mark you could.

We’re very similar in that we don’t like being the center of attention and he was a hard ass, but that’s why our players did what they did.

We expected more of them and they of themselves and ultimately that’s who we are.”

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Originally posted Sunday evening, Monday, March 17, 2019

Breaking News: Legendary OC Batbuster & Pacifica High Coach Mark Campbell “Fighting For Life” After Surgery

One of the most successful and highly-regard coaches in the club and high school world, Mark Campbell–who has won championships coaching the OC Batbusters and Pacifica Mariners’ softball program—is in the hospital reportedly “fighting for this life” after undergoing surgery Sunday afternoon to stop internal bleeding.

The OC Batbusters put out a post on Facebook Sunday saying the following:

“Mark Campbell had a successful surgery to stop the internal bleeding. He must remain stabilized for 24 hours to deal with blood clots found in his lungs. He is fighting for his life and the family asks for your continuous prayers and positive thoughts.”

At 2:45 pm PST Sunday, the retired police officer known as a great developer of catchers in particular, had the surgery and the next day will determine the extent of his health issues.

Working with Mike Stith, who oversees the OC Batbuster organization and also the Sports Training Complex in Anaheim, California, Campbell has accomplished the following (per the STC website):

• Head Coach Orange County Batbusters 14U, 2013 – Present.
• PGF National Champions 2015.
• Team Mizuno 14U Head Coach 2013
• PGF National Champions 2013
• Head Coach Pacifica High School 2007-Present
• C.I.F Division 1 Champions 2014.
• Empire League Champions 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.
• Head Coach Victory USA 10’s 12’s 14’s 2000-2005.
• ASA National Champions 2001, 2003, 2005
• Head Coach Victory USA 2006-2011.
• ASA National Champions 2007, 2009, 20011.

One notable softball figure who is a Pacifica alum and won a CIF title for the Mariners prior to Campbell being the head coach is Amanda Freed, who went on to win a national championship at UCLA and a Gold Medal in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Amanda commented upon hearing the news:

“Huge prayers for Mark Campbell and his family during this time. Mark has deeply impacted our softball community for many years not only coaching some of the most elite high school and travel ball athletes around but through his passion to prepare them for life post softball.

I hope he (and his family) know how much they are loved, appreciated, and thought of during this time.”

Below are some of the social media reports from the OC Batbusters organization and others in the club world offering thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of all of us at Extra Inning Softball, we wish the very best to Mark and his family and all those who he has made an impact on in the softball world…

— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball

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Please keep OC Batbuster Coach Mark Campbell in your prayers. Mark is battling for his life. As of 2:45pm pst he is in surgery. Please respect the family’s privacy. We will update you all when we know more.

— PGF (@PGFnetwork) March 17, 2019

Sending 🙏 and well wishes to Mark Campbell. Lots of 💙💙💙 to his family and all the OC Batbusters.

— OnDeck Softball 🥎 (@ondecksoftball) March 17, 2019