Auburn to honor Josh Donaldson with Wall of Fame induction

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn athletics announced Friday the addition of former American League Most Valuable Player Josh Donaldson to the Auburn Baseball Wall of Fame at Plainsman Park.

Donaldson will become the fifth member of the Wall of Fame with a pregame ceremony during the Georgia series from May 14-16. He will join the four inaugural members of the Wall of Fame in Tim Hudson, Bo Jackson, Gregg Olson and Frank Thomas, who were all inducted on Feb. 27, 2010.

“Josh’s impact on our program goes well beyond what he did during his playing days both here and in the big leagues,’ head coach Butch 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."

“Josh Donaldson deserves his place on the Auburn Baseball Wall of Fame,“ athletics director John Cohen added. “One of the most feared hitters in the Southeastern Conference from 2005-07, Josh enjoyed a stellar 13-season MLB career, highlighted by his 2015 American League Most Valuable Player award. Beyond his impressive statistics, Josh has consistently invested in the Auburn baseball program with his time and resources."

During his three-year Auburn career, Donaldson played in 158 games and turned in a .307 average with 42 doubles, 28 home runs and 122 RBI. He finished his junior season in 2007 as the team leader in average (.349), runs (63), hits (75), doubles (19), RBI (54) and total bases (127) before being selected by the Chicago Cubs with the 48th overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft.

“Oh, I appreciate that. Wow,” Donaldson said in response to being told the news. “Oh man, that’s awesome. I’m glad to hear that. 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.”

The Mobile, Alabama, native debuted for the Oakland Athletics in 2010 and went on to a 13-year MLB career with the Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers. He is Auburn’s third-longest-tenured big league position player behind Thomas (18 years) and David Ross (15 years).

After hitting .297 with 84 extra-base hits – 41 doubles, two triples and 41 home runs – and a league-best 123 RBI in 2015, Donaldson was named the American League MVP, joining Thomas as the only other Auburn alum to earn the recognition. He is a three-time All-Star (2014-16), two-time Silver Slugger (2015-16) and winner of both the 2015 Hank Aaron Award (AL) and 2019 Comeback Player of the Year (NL).