HANCEVILLE — Former Wallace State pitcher Craig Kimbrel made a stop at every Braves minor league ballclub this season.

Kimbrel posted stronger numbers with each promotion and was rewarded for his efforts Monday by being named the Atlanta Braves Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

“It’s very nice to be named the top pitcher in the system,” Kimbrel said. “It has been a year of ups and downs because I started the year off so rough. I worked on my mechanics, figured some things out and wound up having a very successful run all the way from Rome to Gwinnett.

“Throughout the whole season I learned more and more things about myself and pitching. I eventually went out there and threw the ball consistently. I was lucky enough to have a lot of good outings and worked as hard as I could.”

Kimbrel, projected as Atlanta’s future closer, finished the season with 18 saves, a 2.85 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 60 innings among his outings with the Rome Braves (Low-A), Myrtle Beach Pelicans (A), Mississippi Braves (AA) and Gwinnett Braves (AAA).

Kimbrel, a graduate of Lee High in Huntsville, was drafted by the Braves in the third round of the 2008 draft after a stellar career at Wallace State from 2007-08.

Kimbrel wrapped up his initial year with the Braves in Myrtle Beach before his rapid progression through the farm system this season.

After spending the first four months this season juggling between Rome and Myrtle Beach, Kimbrel was promoted to Mississippi on July 31. He shined in Double-A, notching six saves and surrendering only three hits in 11 2-3 innings.

He also posted a 2-1 record, a 0.77 ERA and 17 strikeouts in Mississippi.

Kimbrel was promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sept. 1 where he appeared in two scoreless innings, striking out three.

During his first two minor-league seasons, Kimbrel has recorded 28 saves and a 1.98 ERA in 73 appearances, striking out a staggering 159 batters in 95 1-3 innings.

“To start the season in Rome and finish the season in Triple-A shows what kind of potential Craig has as a closer and pitcher,” Wallace State coach Randy Putman said. “The Braves have already told him he’s going to spring training with the big-league club next year. Craig suits the closer’s role. He has an electric fastball, which can hit the upper 90’s. It might not be too long before Wallace State has two guys in the big leagues.”

Texas Rangers left-handed starter Derek Holland is also a former Wallace State player and was the top minor league pitcher in the Rangers system last season.

During his Wallace State career, Kimbrel went 9-3 with a 2.88 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 81 innings as sophomore and 8-0 with a 1.99 ERA as a freshman.

According to Baseball America, Kimbrel is the 10th-best prospect in Atlanta’s minor league system.

Outfielder Jason Heyward was named the Braves Minor League Player of the Year and the Minor League Player of the Year by Baseball America.

Kimbrel will join 15 Braves minor leaguers on Friday as they are honored at Turner Field before the Phillies-Braves game. The future stars are scheduled to sign autographs at 5:15 p.m. in the Fan Plaza.

“Even though I’m going to be extremely thrilled and honored on Friday, I would much rather be in that dugout and be playing in that game,” said Kimbrel, who is planning to play in the Arizona Fall League starting next month. “This award is hopefully part of the process to make it to the big leagues. I’ve still got a lot of hard work to do, but hopefully I will accomplish that goal before too long.”