On Thursday, May 17, 2012, Norristown senior Pat Campion was recognized at a special news conference for signing a letter of intent to play baseball at Chestnut Hill College.
Pat Campion – Chestnut Hill College (Baseball)
Major: Business Administration
Final list of colleges: Chestnut Hill, Delaware Valley, Misericordia, Millersville
Reasons for choosing Chestnut Hill: “Just the connection I have with the baseball guys, the campus is beautiful, and really, you can’t go wrong – it’s close to home, and I had a great connection with the guys. I grew up watching people play on Latshaw Field, and that was a large factor as well.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate baseball? “It’s always been my goal to play college baseball. I’ve been playing baseball a long time, and ever since I started, I’ve aspired to play at the next level. Playing in high school I just felt it was right for me to try and play collegiately. I’m very excited.”
Coach Vince Elsier says: “I have watched Pat through little league, and when he moved back from Florida, he worked out at our academy. I loved to talk to Pat because it was like I was talking to a young man already at the age of 17. His work ethic was incredible. I have had some kids who were really good leaders, and he’s right up at the top. He’s going to be a success whether it’s on the baseball field or outside the game. He’s just a quality kid. Give mom and dad all the credit in the world because they raised him the right way.
“He not only was a first baseman because he hurt his arm, but he was a really, really good pitcher, one of the best pitchers in the Suburban One American. To show you the kind of character this kid had – we were 0-12 or 0-13, and he came to me and said, ‘Coach, I want to pitch on Monday.’ I said, ‘You have a torn labrum. I don’t want to ruin your college career.’ He said, ‘Coach, I want to win.’ He goes out and pitches a complete seven-inning game against Cheltenham, and we win the baseball game. He labored through it, and every time I talked to him, he told me, ‘I’m fine. I’m fine.’ He wanted to win so badly, and that’s a true leader. He was never down in the dumps because we had a bad record. He’s just always positive, always upbeat, and you have to love that in a player or an individual.
“We were getting compliments from opposing coaches and athletic directors this year, and he was part of the reason. When we talked about character when I first took over, he really bought into that, and he did not let one person get out of line. I didn’t have to do anything as far as disciplining the kids because he was on top of everything. He led by example, and they followed his lead. I really enjoyed working with him and the younger boys that are up and coming because they learned from him.
“Chestnut Hill is a good fit. He will jump in and play right away. He wants to get in and play, and I commend him for his decision. It was a great choice.”
About Pat:
Favorite food: Chicken Fingers & French Fries
Favorite movie: Sandlot
Favorite music: All music
- Log in to post comments
