Joe Piekarz is quickly moving up the big league ranks.

The former NIU pitcher was promoted in the Oakland Athletics organization and will be pitching in the Class A Midwest League for the Kane County Cougars in Geneva.

The lefty began his professional career with the A’s rookie league team in Arizona in 2005 before going to the Vancouver Canadians of the Class A Short-Season Northwest League.

Piekarz posted a 3-3 record with a 3.38 ERA in 15 games for the Canadians.

“It will be a lot of fun playing at home and being able to have family and friends see me pitch professionally,” said Piekarz.

The Streamwood native pitched for NIU in 2003 and 2004, earning All-MAC First-Team honors his final year when he set school records with 16 starts, nine wins, 116.1 innings and 96 strikeouts.

The A’s signed Piekarz after his successful 2004 senior campaign with the Huskies.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without having played at NIU and for Coach Mathey and his assistant coaches,” Piekarz said.