Aaron Neickula joined the Joliet Slammers as the fourth manager in team history on December 8, 2020. Prior to joining the Slammers, Aaron was the Field Coordinator for the Oakland Athletics, where he was responsible for coordinating, managing, and leading all on-field activity for minor league Spring Training, Extended Spring Training, Arizona Summer League, and the fall Instructional League. An additional component to that position included helping create and lead the A’s minor league leadership development program. After graduating from Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL, Aaron attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign majoring in Communications and playing baseball for hall of fame coach Richard “Itch” Jones. Drafted in the 22nd round as a catcher by the Athletics in 1998, Aaron played five minor league seasons, four with the A’s and one with the San Francisco Giants, reaching the Triple A level.
After his playing career, Aaron began coaching in 2004 within the minor league system of the Athletics. Starting as a hitting coach for the Kane County Cougars, Aaron began his managerial career in 2006, managing the Cougars. He went on to manage at various levels, the highlight being when his team the Midland Rockhounds, won the Double A Texas League Championship in 2014. He credits his tremendous coaching staff and phenomenal players, including current A’s third baseman Matt Chapman and current Dodgers infielder Max Muncy, in securing the Championship.
