RallyNorth.net

Time to give Whittier's Campbell a hand

Thursday, May, 08 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

Forgive David Campbell for savoring every at-bat, chasing down fly balls with a little more fervor than the next guy and dashing around the basepaths like it was his last time ever.

At this point, with Campbell's tough luck, it just might be.

The Whittier Tech senior, back in the lineup after missing the opening five games of the season, made his presence felt Tuesday with a big fourth-inning, two-run double in a 7-0 win over Lynn Tech.

The Wildcats remained two games behind Shawsheen Tech in the Commonwealth Conference Large race at 7-4 overall and 6-2 in the league.

As for Campbell, he's still euphoric being in the lineup.

A returning starter at point guard, Campbell saw his basketball season ruined by a broken finger.

"It happened on a freak play, just the second day of practice," said Campbell. "I was looking forward to the season, and I thought we were going to have a big year. Instead, basically all I could do was run with the team and work on my left hand."

Campbell made a second-half return but was only a shadow of his former self. At least he had baseball, he thought.

That was until a week into tryouts.

"I was pitching inside, and tried to throw a curveball," he said. "Same finger. The cartilage just popped."

Much was expected from Campbell, a starter in center field as a junior.

"We thought when it happened, he was done," said coach Joe Boland, whose club has won three straight games. "Luckily, we've gotten him back. He makes a big difference in our outfield. He turned the game around against Greater Lowell with an incredible diving catch. And then, he had the game-winning hit."

Campbell, who is off to a 5-for-14 start, says opponents can expect more of the same from Whittier down the stretch.

"We may need some help, but I think we can catch Shawsheen or at least challenge for the league," said Campbell, 17. "We have to beat them at their place and keep winning, but I think we can do it."