by Christa Turner Anniston Star Assistant Sports Editor

FLORENCE - Qualon Millender said he didn’t think baseball would be in his future, but now he’ll have that chance.

The former Talladega native and Winterboro High standout signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox on Thursday evening.

Millender, who gained plenty of exposure while batting more than .300 for the East Alabama Big Train this summer, said he was surprised when the offer came.

“I was in shock. I knew I was doing good, but I didn’t expect it to go that far,” Millender said. “I’m happy to get the chance to further my baseball career and finish up my accounting degree.”

Millender, 22, said he’ll return to school at the University of North Alabama to finish up his accounting degree, then will report to spring training in March. He played in the outfield for the Lions in 2008 and 2009.

Millender, who checks in at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, tried out first for the Kansas City Royals, then got a look from the White Sox scouts on July 27.

“I went out and ran good and hit good, and two days later, they called and said they were going to sign me,”
Millender said. “It’s what I always wanted since I was growing up. I expected so sign with the Royals and did the White Sox thing just in case. Turned out they wanted me, so I went ahead and signed with them instead of waiting for the Royals.”

Millender of Talladega, Ala., was selected All-South Region by both Daktronics and the American Baseball Coaches Association after his senior season at UNA.

Millender hit .356 for the Lions in 2009 and was a perfect 45-for-45 on stolen base attempts. He led UNA with 60 runs scored and he drove in another 24 runs. He was selected second-team all-region on both squads.

Millender was previously selected All-Gulf South Conference as well. He helped lead the Lions to a 32-20 record in 2009. He hit .324 with five homers and 33 runs batted in. He also stole 15 bases.