Bruce “Soupy” Campbell

Baseball player

What is Bruce “Soupy” Campbell known for?

Bruce "Soupy" Campbell, a notable alumni of Lyons Township High School in Lagrange, Illinois, was an accomplished professional baseball player. Born on October 20, 1909, in Chicago, Illinois, Campbell had an illustrious career spanning over 13 seasons. He started his journey as a right fielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1930 with the Chicago White Sox.

In the following years, Campbell played for multiple reputable teams, including the St. Louis Browns, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and the Washington Senators. He was traded multiple times, often resulting in impressive stats that showcased his considerable talent.

His performance on the field was marked by several feats, including a memorable doubleheader in 1936, where he went 7-7 against the St. Louis Browns. During his career, he accumulated commendable statistics: .290 batting average, 1,382 hits, 295 doubles, 87 triples, 106 home runs, 759 runs scored, and 766 RBIs. Moreover, his bravery didn't go unnoticed. In 1936, he was named the "Most Courageous Athlete of the Year" by the Philadelphia sports writers after suffering from spinal meningitis the previous year.

Campbell showed his patriotism by joining the Army Air Corps during World War II, serving for 38 months. After the war, he returned to the baseball field for a brief period before retiring. Post-retirement, Campbell's legacy was honored as he was inducted into the Lyons Township High School Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year he passed away.

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