It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of Peter Campbell's passing.

Peter was born in 1933 and started his softball career at a young age. He played for Broadway Demons in Wellington and was captain of the team that won the Junior A Championship and also played for the Intermediate Championship winning team in the 1949-50 season.

It was during this same season that his team travelled to Te Kuiti to play in their Easter tournament. He continued to play for Broadway Demons until the 1952-53 season when he had to attend his Compulsory Military Training. Peter chose to do his service in the navy and was posted to H M N Z S Tamaki (Auckland) for his training. He returned to Broadway Demons and finished off the season and continued playing until he transferred to Christchurch in the 1961-62 season. Peter played for the Avon Senior Men’s team in 1962-63. He represented Canterbury during this time and was selected for the South Island team in 1962-63 and 1963-64.

Returning to Wellington in time to coach the Wellington Women’s team into the final of the Bensel Cup in the 1963/64 season. Around 1968-69 Peter began importing Worth Softball equipment from the USA under the name of Smith & Campbell.

Back in Antiquity (around 1963) Peter Campbell was one of a bunch of “old” softballers who travelled annually to Taumarunui to play softball with their Auckland counterparts. This happened annually until 1971 when Tom Voyle organised a four-team tournament in Cambridge. This tournament was attended by Wellington, Waikato, Hutt Valley and Auckland.

This was the start of the Evergreens tournaments as we know them today. And yes, Peter Campbell has been attending since “way back then.” He had attended most Evergreens Tournaments up until his last appearance in 2018. Peter was awarded Evergreens Legends status (along with others) in 2018 at North Harbour.

Our hearts are with Peter’s family and friends who will be grieving his loss.

Article added: Tuesday 21 January 2025