While many of his peers spent the summer transitioning from high school to college, Jaden Fauske was beginning his professional career in baseball.
The Nazareth graduate was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the second round of the 2025 MLB Draft with the 44th overall pick back in July.
He quickly traded his pencils and books for his bats and gloves. Instead of hours in the classroom, the 18-year-old would now be spending time in and around a baseball field all day — an opportunity he welcomed with open arms.
“It’s definitely an adjustment,” Fauske said during an appearance at Rate Field on Sept. 9. “It’s different. They’re going (with) everyday training at the field for hours on end, but I love it.”
Fauske’s minor-league journey began in the Bridge League in Arizona. There he and his White Sox teammates play other MLB organizations’ complex teams which has allowed them to get a taste of a live action against pro opponents.
“It’s been a great way to kind of just kind of get your feet wet,” Fauske said.
During his time as a Roadrunner, he was a two-time state champion in baseball as well as football — both during his first two years of high school. He was quick to see athletic success but also understood the trials you face in the journey and how to deal with them to find more success.
So far Fauske is noticing the pitchers and their arm strength are much different from what he had been seeing.
“Going from facing high-school competition, even on the summer circuit, you saw good arms, but it is just a different level of velocity and the kind of stuff you see (in the pros),” Fauske said.
He stayed focused and eventually found his way at the plate.
“You kind of get used to it,” Fauske said. “A couple games in, you get your timing down and then you’re good to go.”
Fauske was joined by fellow White Sox draft pick Billy Carlson on Sept. 9 for a series of media events as well to throw out the first pitch ahead of a Rays-White Sox game.
The homegrown player was happy to be back home to see the team he’s long been following.
“Being able to play for a team that I grew up being a fan of — it does not get better than that,” Fauske.
The Willowbrook native is set to return to Arizona this month for instructional and performance camps. Those will teach him the necessary training regimens to utilize heading into the offseason and prepare him for a full season starting next spring.
Fauske is no stranger to the White Sox online fandom space and appreciates the support he’s been given during just the two months in the organization.
“It’s cool, it’s a great fan base and I am happy to be a part of it,” Fauske said.
About a week after getting drafted, Fauske joined the White Sox with a nearly $3 million signing bonus. At just 18 years old, the heightened pressure of a professional sport contract can be daunting, but he’s reminded of advice he’s been given early on.
That advice: just keep being yourself.
“From (head coach Lee) Milano and Coach (Jim) Thome, and all the people at Nazareth, they’ve done a great job of preparing me, not only as a baseball player, but as a young man as well,” Fauske said. “They have helped teach me how to go about my business and be professional.”