Aurora University Spartan baseball player AJ Gill signed a professional contract with the Chicago White Sox today. Gill will move on to the White Sox in their minor league organization.

"I'm super excited to announce that I'll be joining the Chicago White Sox organization. I want to thank the AU Baseball coaching staff for all the help they've given me in my development as a person and player," said Gill. "I also want to thank coach Chad Trudo, coach Jocelyn Ocon, and Athletic Director Jim Hamad for all of their help and guidance. To my teammates, I can't wait to see you guys keep the culture that we've built and continue to succeed on and off the field."

Gill heads to the White Sox after having completed his career as a Spartan. In two plus season with the 2020 season ending early due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Gill put up impressive offensive numbers. In 99 games, he hit .335 with a .543 slugging percentage, collecting 121 hits in 361 at bats. Of his 121 hits, 41 went for extra bases with 21 doubles, 14 home runs and six triples. Gill drove in 94 runs while scoring 85 and he also reached base 48 times with a base on ball.

"We are all so happy for AJ, playing pro ball has dream of his for a long time," said AU Baseball Head Coach Adam Stevens. "AJ is an outstanding young man and earned this opportunity because of his amazing work ethic and attitude. He lived in the cage and the weight room the last three years and it shows! We are all very proud of him and will cheer him on every step of the way. The White Sox got a good one! This goes to show you that you can accomplish anything from a program like ours and a school like AU!"

Following the 2019 season, Gill All-Region (Midwest) First-Team outfielder by D3baseball.com and American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) and a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) First-Team outfielder. Entering the 2020 season he was named a Second-Team preseason All-American by D3baseball.com. Gill was a cog in the Spartan baseball resurgence to the national scene as the 2018 and 2019 Spartans won NACC tournaments and made NCAA regional appearances. The 2020 team was ranked 17th with a 9-2 record when the season was ended.