Campbell Commits To Stay In State At Michigan

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - With two older brothers playing college baseball, it did not take Joshua Campbell long to follow in their footsteps.

But while his elder siblings are going to schools out of state - Jon to Boston College and Saborn to Stanford -  the Detroit Country Day freshman will stay in-state after making a commitment to the University of Michigan.

“It’s one of the top academic schools and one of the top baseball programs there is,” Campbell explained about his college decision. “It has a nice campus with beautiful facilities and they have a good tradition of winning.”

Although Campbell is staying near home, much of his college interest came on the west coast.

“My two older brothers played for Trosky, that’s how I was introduced to it,” Campbell said in reference to his summer team, based out of San Jose, that played in Arizona, Texas and Florida in addition to California.

While that brought attention from schools out west, one Big 10 school in his home state of Michigan was not to be denied.

“I first talked with (assistant head) coach (Nick) Schnabel at the end of spring 2021 and I kept in touch this summer updating him on our tournaments,” Campbell reflected. “In August was the first time I talked to head coach (Erik) Bakich. I had some good conversations and I went on a visit and they offered. They went over what it will be like being a Wolverine and what I’ll contribute to the team.”

The 5-9 165-pounder with 6.87 speed in the 60 is being counted on to use his wheels when he is in the maize-and-blue uniform.

“They like that I’m a center fielder that can cover lots of ground,” Campbell explained. “I have good speed on the base paths and the outfield. They like how I get on and can steal a base.”

Although both parents went to school at Michigan State, Campbell is excited about the idea of going to college 45 minutes from his Bloomfield Hills home.

“Since I started playing when I was five I’ve wanted to play in college and then get drafted,” Campbell related. “Two years ago I knew I was good enough to play college baseball and started getting the right type of training, working out right and eating healthy.”

Playing at the university located in Ann Arbor has been a dream for the highly-regarded Campbell, who at the PBR Eastern Michigan Rising Prospects showcase in June had the top exit, infield and outfield velo along with best time in the 60.

“Michigan has always been my number one top school,” Campbell proclaimed. “I’ve wanted to be a Wolverine since I can remember. I knew my decision as soon as they offered.”

As expected, his older brothers have played major roles in helping Campbell get where he is in the game today.

“They have been a huge influence on me,” Campbell noted. “They worked with me really hard to get me where I am now in school and on the field.”

Coaches Tony Leonard and Scott Leonard with the Motor City Hitdogs and coach Abe Ruiz with Trosky National 14U have also been influential, according to Campbell, who will be playing for coach Brooks Richards with Team Elite this fall.

“I’m a hard-working player that wants to win and just be a good teammate overall,” explained Campbell, who won’t turn 15 until the end of this month. “I’m someone that lifts teammates up and brings joy and happiness to the dugout.”

That is the feeling for Campbell after making a commitment with Michigan.

“I’m really excited and my whole family is excited for me,” the Detroit Country Day 2025 said. “They all support my decision.

“Now it’s about working every day to keep getting better. It’s about staying in shape so I’m ready for the next level. I’m really looking forward to facing all that good talent and playing around all the great talent on the Michigan team.”