Kyle Yates   |   AA

Participated in 2004 College World Series Final-8 with Texas (Finalists).

Yates was born in Kerrville, Texas, about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio. He played baseball as a Little Leaguer and was originally coached by former major leaguer Freddy Russ. Yates played for the Kerrville Tivy Antlers under Coach Steve Rippee. His teammates at Tivy include several current minor league players including Ryan Russ, Chris Russ, and Kevin Whelan. Kyle graduated from high school in 2001 and attended Midland Junior College in Midland, Texas, earning numerous records for pitching. After two seasons, he transferred to the University of Texas. He played at UT in 2004 and the team won conference championship and went on to take second place in the 2004 College World Series. Kyle was drafted in the 13th round of the 2004 draft by the Toronto Blue Jays and was signed by Andy Bean of the organization. He spent his first season with the short-season A team the Auburn Doubledays. In 2005, he played with the low-A Lansing Lugnuts and was promoted to high-A Dunedin Blue Jays mid-season. In 2006, he began the year with the AA New Hampshire Fisher Cats, moved back to Dunedin for a short period, and returned to the Fisher Cats where he is now a mid-reliever.