A Legacy Forged in Buies Creek: The History of Campbell University Baseball

Campbell University's baseball program boasts a rich history, marked by perseverance, community spirit, and a commitment to developing talent. From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a competitive NCAA Division I program, the Fighting Camels have consistently strived for excellence, creating a legacy that extends far beyond the baseball diamond. The Campbell Fighting Camels baseball team is Campbell University's NCAA Division I baseball team. The team currently competes as members of the Coastal Athletic Association which they joined in the 2024 season.

Early Years and Evolution

The Campbell University baseball program started in 1907. Before the Camels were known as Campbell Junior College, they were the Buies Creek Academy (1887-1926). In 1979, they changed their name from Campbell College to Campbell University. The program has undergone significant transformations, adapting to changing times and evolving collegiate athletics landscape.

From Big South to Coastal Athletic Association

Previously, the Fighting Camels competed in the Big South Conference from 1983 until 1994 before moving to the Atlantic Sun Conference. As of the 2024 season, the team competes as members of the Coastal Athletic Association. This move signifies the program's ambition and its commitment to competing at the highest level.

Jim Perry Stadium: A Home Field Advantage

The team plays its home games on campus at Jim Perry Stadium, named for former Campbell Baseball and Basketball player Jim Perry. Prior to 2012, the venue was known as Taylor Field. The influx of talent, plus a 59-18 record at Jim Perry Stadium over the last three years, has drawn record crowds to Buies Creek. The Camels won 20 of 24 home games this season and the community noticed. Campbell set program records for total (20,659) and average (860) attendance. Four of the top-10 crowds in JPS history packed the park this spring, including a season-high 1292 on Apr.

NCAA Tournament Appearances: Defining Moments

The Fighting Camels have made six NCAA tournament appearances. These appearances represent significant milestones in the program's history, showcasing their ability to compete on a national stage.

1990: A First Taste of the Tournament

The 1990 edition of the Fighting Camels went 11-31 but swept the Big South Conference tournament with a 4-0 record to earn the Fighting Camels' first appearance in the 1990 NCAA Division I baseball tournament. This improbable run demonstrated the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

2014: Victory in Columbia

The 2014 Fighting Camels won the Big South tournament championship and earned a spot in the Columbia Regional of the 2014 NCAA Division I baseball tournament. During the regular season the Camels went 40-19, 18-8 in conference. They lost to host team South Carolina 5-2 in their first game. They then defeated the ODU Monarchs in the elimination game 4-1 in 12 innings for their first NCAA tournament victory. In their next game they were eliminated by South Carolina 9-0. This marked their first NCAA tournament victory, a testament to their growth and development.

2018: Athens Regional

The 2018 Fighting Camels won the Big South tournament championship at Liberty University and earned a spot in the Athens Regional of the 2018 NCAA Division I baseball tournament. During the regular season the Camels went 35-24, 21-6 in conference. They lost to the host team Georgia Bulldogs 18-5 in their first game.

2019: Dominance in the Big South

The 2019 Fighting Camels won both the Big South Conference regular season championship and the Big South Conference baseball tournament at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville, NC which earned them a spot in the Greenville Regional of the 2019 NCAA Division I baseball tournament. They defeated local rival North Carolina State 5-4 in game 1 of the regional. In the winners' bracket, Game 2, they beat Quinnipiac 9-8 in walk-off fashion. They then lost to the East Carolina in the regional finals: 10-2 in game 1 and 12-3 in game 2. During the regular season the Fighting Camels went 32-19, 19-7 in conference and had a final overall record of 37-21.

2021: An At-Large Bid

The Camels received their first ever at-large bid in the 2021 campaign, being the first Campbell University athletics team to do so. This achievement reflects the program's consistent performance and recognition on a national level.

Read also: Campbell's Basketball Career

Individual Achievements and Hall of Famers

The program has produced talented players who have gone on to achieve success at the professional level.

Woody Upchurch

Woody Upchurch was the first former Camel to make it to the Major League level.

The Perry Brothers: A Legacy of Excellence

On April 26, 1984, Jim Perry became their first player to be enshrined in the Campbell University Hall of Fame. Gaylord Perry(Inducted Apr. Gaylord Perry was inducted along with his brother Jim into the Hall of Fame on April 26, 1984. Gaylord attended Campbell from 1958-60. Gaylord won the Cy Young Award in the American League in 1972 with the Cleveland Indians, and then again in the National League in 1978 with the San Diego Padres. During his career, Gaylord won 314 games and lost 265. Jim Perry(Inducted Apr. Jim Perry was inducted along with his brother Gaylord into the Campbell Sports Hall of Fame on April 26, 1984. Jim attended Campbell from 1956-59. He then went on to play professional ball for 17 years in the American League. During his career, he won 215 games and lost 174, while striking out 1,576 batters in 3,286 innings. Jim won the Cy Young Award in 1970 while playing for the Minnesota Twins. His brother, Gaylord Perry, was also enshrined at the same time yet his name does not appear in the chart above because he did not play baseball for the Camels.

The Haire Era: A Period of Sustained Success

Haire is quick to give credit to those who came before him, from former Athletics Director Stan Williamson, who hired Goff and his staff in 2007 to A.D. Bob Roller, who entrusted Haire with his first head coaching job at the age of 34 in 2014. The list continues - with credit to University President Brad Creed and A.D. "From administration to assistant coaches to players and staff, the last 16 years have been filled with some of the best people that I've been around in my life," said Haire, who has been honored as Big South coach of the year three-straight times. "That's the special thing about Buies Creek and Campbell. In any successful organization, you can't be successful without really good people. Haire's leadership has been instrumental in fostering a winning culture and developing players who excel both on and off the field.

Community and Authenticity: The Cornerstones of the Program

"It really started to turn for us when we started to embrace what this place is," said Haire. "We're not bright lights, big city, in the middle of downtown Raleigh. We're not a suburb of Raleigh. What we do have is the opportunity to develop without distraction. What we do have is a great academic institution. "During the recruiting process, these guys stuck with me during the Covid year, and I just knew they really wanted me," said Belbin. "I wanted to go to a place where a team actually cared about me. They showed that. I love it and wouldn't want to choose anywhere else. It's a family and a home away from home. "It gives me chills every day," said Haire of seeing his alumni go on to pro ball. "You look up and Zach Neto's got two web gems last night. He's face timing me from Yankee Stadium, and Cedric's calling me to say, 'hey, you got somebody coming tonight, how can I help them with a signed bat, ball, a picture' and a bunch of other guys in the minors. Authenticity. Development. It's not because of me, it's because there are tremendous people here. It's a tremendous place that's really special. Sustained success. A real connection with the Buies Creek community and Campbell alumni. More championships. Another postseason trip.

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