A New Chapter for Auburn Baseball
Gabe Gross, Auburn University’s associate head coach for baseball, announced this week that he will step into a new role as special assistant for athletics engagement. In a statement, Gross thanked Coach Thompson and the broader Auburn Family for their support during his tenure, noting that the decision was driven in part by the need to be present for his two teenage children.
The move marks the end of a nine‑year stretch in which Gross served as the program’s hitting coach. Under his guidance, the team posted a .286 batting average, hit 959 doubles and launched 640 home runs. He mentored 21 All‑SEC honorees, six All‑Americans and 17 players who earned MLB Draft selections, while also helping secure seven top‑15 recruiting classes, three of them consecutive top‑10 hauls.
Gross’s impact extends beyond the box score. A first‑team All‑American in 2000, he once led the SEC with a .430 average and remains among Auburn’s top ten in numerous career categories, including batting average and home runs. His playing career also included a seven‑year stint in Major League Baseball, highlighted by a World Series championship with the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays.
In his new capacity, Gross will channel his playing and coaching experience into fundraising initiatives and public outreach. He is slated to appear on Auburn baseball broadcasts, bringing his insights to fans while the department leverages his connections to bolster financial support for the program.