Meridian resident Austin Bibens-Dirkx has made the Texas Rangers starting rotation after spending 12 years in the minor leagues.
Dirkx who is originally from Salem, Oregon played college baseball at the University of Portland. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 16th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft.
Dirkx has spent time with 20 different teams trying to achieve his goal of making it to the majors.
He has played in Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and has even thrown for two different independent leagues.
He made his big league debut back in May as a relief pitcher and has been able to help the Rangers stay in the hunt for the American League West title and wild-card race this year.
