MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With the opening of the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility, AUM Baseball has added a new premier resource for player development, providing a year-round, covered practice space made possible through the generosity of AUM baseball alumni Derek and Keith Johnson. 

Approved by the Auburn University Board of Trustees in February and completed on June 30, 2026, the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility is located adjacent to QV Lowe Field. The covered turf facility features two hitting tunnels, equipment storage and ample space for hitting, pitching and defensive instruction, giving the Warhawks a dedicated space for individual instruction, team practices and skill development throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions. 

"We are incredibly grateful for the steadfast support Derek and Keith Johnson have shown the AUM Athletics Department and our baseball program," said Director of Athletics Erik Maas. "Their generosity continues to make a meaningful impact on the experience of our student-athletes. The Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility provides our baseball program with a first-class training space that will enhance the development of our student-athletes and help elevate our program for years to come." 

The practice space provides AUM student-athletes with expanded opportunities to train, develop, and compete at a championship level.  

"I'm so thankful for the impact the game of baseball has had on me and my family, and especially for the life lessons learned as a member of the AUM Baseball Team," said Derek Johnson. "I will always cherish the memories of my time at AUM, and I hope that the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility will be a great resource for all the current and future players." 

Derek Johnson played baseball at AUM during the 1993 and 1994 seasons and currently serves as Market President for Regions Bank in Montgomery. 

"I'm incredibly honored to have the opportunity, alongside my brother Derek, to give back to AUM Baseball and a game that has meant so much to our family," said Keith Johnson. "I hope the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility will have a lasting impact on generations of AUM student-athletes and help them pursue excellence both on and off the field." 

Keith Johnson, a 2001 AUM graduate, played baseball for the then-Senators from 1999-2001 and is currently the General Manager of Ingram Equipment Company in Birmingham.

"The opening of the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility is a huge step forward for AUM Baseball," said head baseball coach Tanner Gordon. "We are incredibly grateful to Derek and Keith Johnson for their generosity and continued support of our program. As former AUM players, they understand what this program means and the impact it can have on our student-athletes. Their willingness to give back will make a difference for our players for years to come. This facility gives us a first-class resource to develop our players and continue building AUM Baseball into a championship-level program. We're proud to have the Johnson name on this facility and thankful to have Derek and Keith as part of the AUM Baseball family." 

AUM Baseball enters the 2027 season with a new leader at the helm, as Gordon takes over as head coach of the Warhawks. A former AUM player himself, Gordon returns to Montgomery to lead the program into its next chapter. With a new season ahead and the addition of the Johnson Brothers Hitting Facility, the Warhawks will look to build on the foundation of the program while continuing to develop their student-athletes and compete at a high level. 

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