BUIES CREEK — Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Ryan Thompson has built a reputation as one of the most reliable bullpen arms on the roster in recent seasons, but his baseball success extends beyond the Valley.

Thompson was a cornerstone of one of the most successful eras in Campbell baseball history and was inducted into the Campbell Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday. His collegiate résumé remains unmatched in the program record book and across the Big South Conference.

Advertisement

The Arizona reliever was a two-time All-American, earning first-team All-Big South honors in back-to-back seasons and being named the league’s Pitcher of the Year in 2013. That season, he helped lead the Fighting Camels to a conference championship and their first NCAA postseason appearance in 24 years.

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Ryan Thompson (81) pitches against the Miami Marlins at Chase Field in Phoenix, on June 28, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

From the bullpen, Thompson owns the lowest single-season earned run average (0.88) and career ERA (1.13) in Campbell history, marks that also set Big South Conference records that still stand today. He also holds school records for saves in a season (17), career saves (27) and single-season relief appearances (39 in 2014).

Advertisement

Those records and accolades not only enshrined his time at Campbell but also helped propel his elite play to the professional level. Thompson was selected by the Houston Astros in the 23rd round of the 2014 MLB Draft.

May 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Since then, he has pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays and later joined the Diamondbacks at the 2023 trade deadline. Along with Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald, Thompson became part of a dominant three-man backend of the bullpen that helped Arizona reach the World Series that same year.

Advertisement

Excellence is rarely easy to translate across levels of competition, but Thompson has done just that. His career 3.54 ERA underscores that his success with the Fighting Camels was not a flash in the pan, but a reflection of his consistent level of performance.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson is interviewed by the media at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sept. 29, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

His induction showcases not only a golden era of Campbell baseball but also serves as a blueprint for players in the program who aspire to reach the major league level.

Advertisement

While Thompson has been instrumental for the Diamondbacks in recent seasons, it was his discipline, excellence and professionalism at the collegiate level that laid the foundation for his continued success in MLB.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde