Adam Rubin, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Eric Campbell officially becomes a catcher

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Utility player Eric Campbell can now officially place "catching experience" on his résumé.

Campbell caught an inning in a minor league intrasquad game Saturday. It marked his first experience as a catcher in a game at any level.

It's highly unlikely the 27-year-old Campbell will ever appear in a major league game behind the plate. Still, the Mets have been preparing him as a third catcher in case an in-game emergency arises. In fact, Campbell worked out exclusively with the catchers before position players reported to camp last month.

Campbell had an uneventful inning catching right-hander Matt Koch, who throws a fastball, slider and changeup. Campbell was untested during the frame. He caught every pitch without issue. Koch topped out at 93 mph.

Campbell did fail to break down the line and back up first base during an inning-ending double play, which was noted to him by bench coach/catching instructor Bob Geren.

Still, as Campbell headed off the field after the one inning behind the plate, Triple-A manager Wally Backman shouted to him: "You looked like a pro out there, buddy!"

Geren and Campbell then drove back to the main stadium in a golf cart. As they whisked by, Geren pretended to be a public-address announcer and said: "Now catching, 'Soup' Campbell.'"

Campbell appeared at six positions last season with the Mets: first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field and right field. Back in 2013, he pitched an inning with Triple-A Las Vegas and served up a grand slam.

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