Clemson’s Paul Campbell, a right-handed pitcher was drafted on Wednesday by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 21st round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft as the 619th overall pick.
“My first reaction was just excitement,” Campbell said. “The Rays are a great organization and I’m very happy that I get the opportunity to go and play there. It is a very humbling and blessed experience.”
The junior confirmed to The Clemson Insider that he will be leaving Clemson to pursue his professional career.
“The main thing I want to focus on is just developing myself. I’m going to be with a lot of new coaches and different people around different organizations; people who have been playing this game a lot longer than I have,” he said. “I have to take what they’ve learned over the years and apply it to my game and hopefully make myself better to improve to the next level.”
Campbell reflected back on the time and efforts his family has put in over the years to help him achieve his ultimate goal.
“(My parents and brother) spent a lot of time with me when I was a little kid playing ball. Endless hours were spent at the field, driving me to parks all over the country. I owe all of my credit to them,” he said. “They’ve done a great job with me and guided me toward this opportunity all along the way. So I thank them for everything that they’ve done for me.”