Auburn baseball to honor Josh Donaldson with Wall of Fame induction
A former Auburn legend and 13-year MLB veteran will now be deservedly honored at Plainsman Park.
Auburn baseball announced Friday that it will honor Josh Donaldson by adding his No. 4 to the Wall of Fame. Donaldson will join four other Tiger legends: Frank Thomas, Tim Hudson , Gregg Olson, and Bo Jackson, with a jersey displayed on the War Eagle Wall in left field with a pregame ceremony during the weekend series against Georgia, May 14-16 at Plainsman Park.
Auburn broke the news by sharing a video on social media of Auburn head coach Butch Thompson and Auburn athletic director John Cohen on a three-way Zoom call with the former American League MVP. Thompson praised Donaldson for a spectacular professional career and his contributions to the program, which included funding the "Josh Donaldson hitting lab" inside the Auburn Baseball Player Development Center located beyond the right field wall at Plainsman Park. Thompson then revealed plans to include Donaldson on the Wall of Fame.
“Oh man, that’s awesome. I’m glad to hear that," Donaldson responded. "Obviously, that’s a huge honor for me of being with those guys. That’s going to mean a lot to me, and I’m looking forward to my kids being able to see that, too. That’s pretty special. I’m kind of at a loss for words right now.”
Thompson says that Donaldson has impacted the program both on and off the field, and that it was time for Auburn to return the favor.
“Josh’s impact on our program goes well beyond what he did during his playing days both here and in the big leagues,’ Thompson said. “He continues to give back and pour into our student-athletes and their player development, and now it’s time for us to give back to him. This recognition couldn’t come at a better time for someone who has been so impactful to Auburn baseball.”
Donaldson began his MLB career in 2010 with the Oakland Athletics , an organization he stayed with until the 2014 season. Donaldson also played with the New York Yankees , Minnesota Twins , Atlanta Braves , Milwaukee Brewers , and Cleveland Indians during his 13-year career. He ended his career with 279 home runs, 816 RBI, and an average of .261. Some of his accomplishments include winning the 2015 American League Most Valuable Player Award, two Silver Slugger Awards, and three All-Star Game appearances. As an Auburn Tiger from 2005-07 , Donaldson hit .307 with 28 home runs and 122 RBI. He hit a college career-best 30 extra-base hits in 2007, which included 11 home runs and 19 doubles. That season, he hit .349 with 54 RBI in 55 games.
Watch the moment Donaldson learned of his Wall of Fame honor below.
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn baseball honors Josh Donaldson with Wall of Fame induction
