A two-time Academic All Big Ten baseball pitcher and Northwestern graduate is making his way to the majors through his stellar performance in minor-league baseball.

After graduating in 2001, 22-year-old Gabe Ribas was chosen by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round of the major league draft.

He was assigned to play with the Padres’ minor-league teams. After pitching for the Eugene Emeralds in Oregon and the Wizards of Fort Wayne, Ind., Ribas was promoted July 17 to the Storm of Lake Elsinore, Calif., the Padres’ No. 1 class A farm team.

Throughout the Wizards’ 136-game season, Ribas posted impressive stats. He helped the team to a 13-3 record by throwing 116 strikeouts in 19 games. He also boasted a 2.25 ERA.

Ribas excelled in the Midwest League All-Star Game and was named the Topps Midwest League Player of the Month in June. He was one of 75 pitchers competing for 44 spots in the Padres’ farm leagues.

Ribas began his NU career with a team leading 14 starts. He made the Academic All-Big Ten in his junior and senior years. By his senior year, Ribas had made the Big Ten All-Tournament Team.