Two familiar faces and alumni of the Auburn baseball program had a successful run in the 2015 MLB Playoffs, advancing all the way to the National League and American League Championship Series.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson of the Toronto Blue Jays continued his hot streak this season, making it his best yet. The hot corner posted a .297 batting average in the regular season, with 122 runs and 123 RBI, the highest of his career. He also was voted an All-Star, setting the record for the most votes for any player at 14.09 million.
Donaldson and the Blue Jays had a stellar season, making it to Game 6 of the American League Championship Series before falling to the Kansas City Royals. The former Tiger batted .241 in the postseason this year with three home runs, eight RBI and 11 total bases.
In the National League, Chicago Cub David Ross had shot in the postseason, his third appearance in five years. His most recent run prior to this year was with the Boston Red Sox in 2013, where he walked away victorious with a World Series ring.
This year, after defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Wild Card game and the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Division Series, the Cubs moved on to the Championship Series, only to be swept by the New York Mets.
The end of the 2015 season marked the completion of the 38-year-old's 14th Major League season. Affectionately known as "The Blue Wolf," Ross played 72 games in the regular season, the most of his career since 2007. He also batted .176 in 159 at-bats, one of his worst career seasons at the plate.
Ross played three games this post season, going 0-4 with two walks. He was second behind the plate in the Cubs depth chart to fellow veteran Miguel Montero. His contract gives him another year with the Cubs and another year as Jon Lester's personal catcher, for now.
With the success of the Auburn alumni's two respective teams, we're sure to see them again in the post season soon.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
