An overview of the childhood and early education of Josh Donaldson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.
Josh Donaldson is a former American professional baseball third baseman. He played 13 seasons in MLB for several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, and New York Yankees. Known for his offensive production and defensive skills at third base, Donaldson was an All-Star and won the American League MVP award in 2015 while playing for Toronto.
December 8, 1985: Josh Donaldson Born
On December 8, 1985, Joshua Adam Donaldson was born. He is an American former professional baseball third baseman.
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1992: Father's Imprisonment
In 1992, Josh Donaldson's father, Levon Donaldson, was sentenced to prison on charges including sexual battery, false imprisonment, and aggravated battery.
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2005: Freshman Season at Auburn
During his freshman season in 2005, Josh Donaldson started 39 games at third base for Auburn University, hitting .294 with seven home runs, and also began learning to play catcher.
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2006: Sophomore Season at Auburn and Cape Cod League
In his sophomore season, 2006, Josh Donaldson hit .276 and led the team with ten home runs at Auburn; he also threw out 15 of 38 base stealers. In the summer of 2006, Donaldson played for the Harwich Mariners of the Cape Cod Baseball League where he was an All-Star and hit .302.
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2007: Drafted by Chicago Cubs
In 2007, Josh Donaldson was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the MLB draft after playing college baseball at Auburn University.
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2007: Preseason All-American
In 2007, Josh Donaldson was named a Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American.
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2007: Father's Release from Prison
In 2007, Josh Donaldson's father, Levon Donaldson, was released from prison after serving his sentence which began in 1992.
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September 13, 2013: Father Watches Him Play
On September 13, 2013, Josh Donaldson's father watched him play baseball in person for the first time, against the Texas Rangers. Donaldson had a strong performance, walking twice, hitting a home run, and a double in three at-bats, contributing to the Athletics' 9-8 victory.
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2014: Golf Channel Appearance
During the 2014 season, Josh Donaldson appeared on the Golf Channel and hit a ball an estimated 309 yards in a simulator. Donaldson also found out he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays while watching the Golf Channel.
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January 2016: Guest Appearance on Vikings
In January 2016, it was announced that Josh Donaldson would make a guest appearance in the fourth season of the History channel series Vikings, playing the character "Hoskuld".
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November 2020: Birth of First Child
In November 2020, Josh Donaldson and his fiancé, Briana Miller, welcomed their first child, a daughter.
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2023: 2023 Season and Injury
In 2023, Josh Donaldson batted .142 with 10 home runs and 15 RBIs in 33 games. He was placed on the injured list on July 16 due to a right calf strain, and reports on July 17 indicated he might miss the rest of the 2023 season. He was then moved to the 60-day injured list on July 21 and was released on August 29.
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January 2024: Marriage to Briana Miller
In January 2024, Josh Donaldson married his fiancé, Briana Miller, with the news becoming public following his retirement announcement.
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