Gordon Beckham's last at-bat at Georgia's Foley Field was a home run and his last at-bat at Rosenblatt Stadium during the College World Series was a homer.

So it was only fitting that his last at-bat at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on Wednesday night was also left the ballpark.

"Maybe I'm starting a trend here," Beckham said.

OK, so it was just batting practice. That couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Bulldogs' former all-star shortstop was feeling Wednesday. Earlier in the day Beckham, who was picked eighth overall in the baseball draft in June, signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but signing bonuses in the neighborhood of $2.5 million have been common around that draft position the past couple of seasons.

The initial reward for Beckham was being whisked to Chicago in time to join the major-league club for its game against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night. Beckham got to go through batting practice and shag balls with the likes of Ken Griffey Jr. and Carlos Quentin.

"It's just been an unbelievable experience, an unbelievable day for me," said Backham, barely audible with the crowd noise in the background. "I hope I can get back here quick."

In the meantime, Beckham will have to be satisfied with Kannapolis, N.C., where he was to report for Class A ball Thursday. From there Beckham hopes to begin a journey to the major leagues.

Beckham hit .411 his junior season at Georgia. He also led the nation in home runs and established school records for homers in a season (28) and a career (53).

As a drafted underclassman, Beckham had until 11:59 p.m. Friday to decide if he was going to take the deal and turn pro or return to Georgia for his senior season. His agent Mike Milchin has been in negotiations with the White Sox since June.

But Bulldogs coach David Perno said he never expected Beckham to return to college.

"No, no, no," Perno said emphatically. "I've been talking to Gordon all summer. I knew what he was doing. I'm excited for him and glad he finally got it done and looking forward to him having a wonderful pro career."

With Beckham's signing, left-handed pitcher Trevor Holder remains the only unsigned underclassman drafted from UGA. He was a 10th-round pick of the Marlins.

Perno said he expects Holder to remain at Georgia.