Toronto Blue Jays broadcaster Jamie Campbell receives honorary doctorate
Photo credit: Gino Donato - Huntington University
Huntington University has awarded Jamie Campbell an honorary doctorate, recognizing the longtime broadcaster's impact both on and off the air.
When Jamie Campbell returns to the studio in April to host Blue Jays Central on Sportsnet, he'll do so with a new distinction to his name.
The veteran anchor received an honorary Doctorate of Sacred Letters on Thursday in Sudbury, an honour that celebrates not only his accomplished broadcasting career but also his charitable efforts and community advocacy.
While in Sudbury to accept the degree, Campbell spoke with CBC's Brendan Connor about his deep connection to Northern Ontario - a bond that began decades ago with a formative summer experience.
«It was 1984, I was 17. I had planned a summer of going to as many Blue Jay games as I could and my parents put an end to that by signing me up for something called the Junior Forest Rangers program.," Campbell said.
"So the next thing you know, I'm on a train to Timmins and totally uncertain about what I was going to encounter. It turned out to be nine weeks of hard labour at $10 a day and it may have been the greatest summer experience I ever had. So the north of this province gets into your blood if you spend enough time in it, and that's exactly what happened to me."
That time in Timmins left a lasting impression. Over the years, Campbell found creative ways to pay tribute to the region during broadcasts of Toronto Blue Jays games.
«I wanted to find a way of honouring Timmins in some way," Campbell said.
"And every time a Blue Jay, whether it was Bautista or Encarnacion or Justin Smoak, would hit one deep, I would say 'that ball must have landed somewhere near Timmins.' It caught on, and the best part about it now is that during most home games, anybody that's from that area comes by and introduces themselves to me at the set, which is just wonderful.»
"And every time a Blue Jay, whether it was Bautista or Encarnacion or Justin Smoak, would hit one deep, I would say 'that ball must have landed somewhere near Timmins.' It caught on, and the best part about it now is that during most home games, anybody that's from that area comes by and introduces themselves to me at the set, which is just wonderful.»
University president Kevin McCormick said Campbell's professional excellence and commitment to community made him a natural choice for the honour.
«Jamie is a true professional and an exemplary Canadian citizen, whose career accomplishments have inspired people from coast to coast, and whose community service has made a significant impact in the lives of many, including those of us from northern Ontario,» McCormick said.
A lifelong Blue Jays supporter since the age of nine, Campbell described last season's run to the World Series as a magical experience.
With a new season approaching, he believes the club has what it takes to contend once again.
According to Campbell, last year's success was fuelled by unity and a strong team-first mentality - qualities he expects will continue to drive the Blue Jays in the months ahead.
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