Scott Campbell has been appointed as the Diamondblacks new Manager / Head Coach for the 2022 World Baseball Classic Campaign.

Scott steps in to take the reins of the Diamondblacks following the team’s absence from international competition for the last two years, due to the covid-19 pandemic.

As the new Diamondblacks Manager / Head Coach for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) Campaign, Scott has his work cut out for him with the WBC Qualifying tournament just around the corner, starting 30^th September 2022 in Panama.

The last time the Diamondblacks headed to a WBC Qualifier in 2016, Scott was part of the playing group and captained the side in both the 2016 and 2012 WBC Qualifiers.  Following an exceptional playing career with the Toronto Blue Jays after being drafted in 2006. 

Scott is no stranger to a head coach role, having guided many national age group sides over the years to compete in WBSC events, coached within the European Major League Baseball Academy and has an excellent understanding of the NZ and international baseball landscapes and WBC tournament.

Campbell is excited to take that step back onto the diamond with the Diamondblacks team and give back to NZ baseball and where it all began for him.  “Baseball in NZ is special to me and I’m really looking forward to seeing what our Diamondblacks team can do out there at the 2022 WBC Qualifier.”

Baseball NZ CEO, Meg Crockett says Baseball NZ are delighted to have Scott back in the fold and in this role, it will be no easy feat out there and certainly a challenging timeframe to bring a full campaign together, but we know Scott will make it happen.

Scott’s knowledge of our kiwi players, his strong technical and tactical knowledge of the game and his all-round passion to see NZ and the Diamondblacks perform and succeed on the world baseball is unmarked.  This drive will be important as we look to re-build our national teams and programmes after two challenging covid years and an international hiatus.

Scott’s first task as the Diamondblacks Manager / Head Coach will be to confirm who the rest of his Diamondblacks coaching and management unit will be, to support the on-field aspects of this campaign. 

Article added: Friday 05 August 2022