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Tyler Yates
Tyler Yates
Tyler Yates
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Tyler Kali Yates (born August 7, 1977) is an American police officer and former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Key Information

Career

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Oakland Athletics

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Yates attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo before being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 23rd round, with the 675th overall selection, of the 1998 Major League Baseball draft.[1] He spent his first professional season with the rookie-level Arizona League Athletics and Low-A Southern Oregon Timberjacks.

Yates spent the 1999 season with the High-A Visalia Oaks, logging a 2–5 record and 5.47 ERA with 74 strikeouts and 4 saves across 47 contests. He split 2000 between the High-A Modesto A's and Double-A Midland RockHounds, accumulating a 5-3 record and 3.90 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 83 innings pitched across 52 relief appearances.[2] Yates spent the 2001 season with Midland and the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. In 60 appearances split between the two affiliates, he compiled a 5–6 record and 3.97 ERA with 64 strikeouts and 18 saves across 68 innings of work.[3]

New York Mets

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Yates pitched in the Athletics organization until being traded to the New York Mets with Mark Guthrie on December 1, 2001, for David Justice.[4] His 2002 season was limited by Tommy John surgery.[5]

Yates split the 2003 season between three minor league teams. He participated in spring training the next year,[6] and debuted against the Montreal Expos on April 9, 2004.[7][8] Ten days later, Yates earned his first major league victory in another appearance against Montreal.[9][10] By May, Yates had returned to the minor leagues to pitch as a reliever.[11] Yates underwent rotator cuff surgery and did not pitch during the 2005 season.[12][13]

Atlanta Braves

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Yates was released by the Mets at the conclusion of the 2005 season, and joined the Baltimore Orioles before the 2006 season, participating in spring training as a non-roster invitee.[13] He was subsequently released from the Orioles, and signed with the Atlanta Braves on May 3, 2006.[14] Yates recorded the first save of his career on July 14, 2006, in a 15–12 extra-inning win over the San Diego Padres.[15] He made the Braves' Opening Day roster in 2007,[16] and agreed to terms with the team prior to the start of the 2008 season.[17]

Pittsburgh Pirates

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Yates was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 26, 2008, in exchange for minor league pitcher Todd Redmond.[18] He made 72 appearances for Pittsburgh during the 2008 campaign, registering a 6–3 record and 4.66 ERA with 63 strikeouts across 73+1⁄3 innings pitched.[19]

Yates pitched in 15 games for the Pirates in 2009, struggling to an 0–2 record and 7.50 ERA with 9 strikeouts over 12 innings of work.[20] On July 16, 2009, it was announced that Yates would miss the remainder of the season after having a second Tommy John procedure, performed by James Andrews.[21] On October 27, Yates was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, but rejected the assignment and elected free agency.[22][23]

On January 4, 2010, Yates re-signed with the Pirates on a minor league contract.[24] but not expected to pitch until May or June.[25][26] He did not appear for the organization and elected free agency following the season on November 6.

On December 16, 2010, Yates once more re-signed with the Pirates organization on a minor league contract and participated in spring training.[27][28] He was cut from major league camp in March,[29] and did not pitch for the organization during the 2011 campaign. Yates elected free agency following the season on November 2, 2011.

Personal life

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Tyler is the eldest of three brothers,[30] including Spencer and Kirby Yates.[8][31] Tyler and Kirby were the second pair of brothers from Hawaii to play Major League Baseball, after Bronson and Dane Sardinha.[32] Since retiring from baseball, Tyler became a police officer in Kauai.[33] Tyler dated Liesel throughout his professional baseball career.[10][34] The two later married and had two children.[34]

References

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[edit]
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Tyler Yates

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tyler Yates (born August 7, 1977) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and current police sergeant with the Kauai Police Department in . Born in Lihue, Hawaii, Yates attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he played before being selected by the in the 23rd round (675th overall) of the 1998 MLB Draft. He signed with the Athletics and began his professional career in the , progressing through their system and later those of the and organizations. Yates made his debut on April 9, 2004, as a for the Mets, but transitioned primarily to a relief role throughout his career. Over five MLB seasons, Yates appeared in 239 games for the (2004), (2006–2007), and (2008–2009), compiling a record of 12 wins and 17 losses with a 5.15 (), 222 strikeouts, and four saves in 248 . His most active years came with the Braves, where he served as a middle reliever, though injuries and inconsistency limited his overall impact in the majors. After electing free agency following the 2009 season, Yates retired from at age 32. Transitioning to a second career in , Yates joined the Kauai Police Department as a in January 2014, alongside a class of new recruits sworn in at the Koloa Neighborhood Center. He advanced within the department, serving as a Police Officer II by 2020 and contributing to community initiatives on the island. In December 2022, Yates was promoted to the rank of during a honoring several officers for their service. Additionally, he has worked as a former Task Force Officer with the , supporting federal efforts. Yates has expressed satisfaction with his post-baseball life on Kauai, where he has invested in local property and embraced the stability of law enforcement after the uncertainties of professional sports.

Early life and amateur career

Upbringing and family

Tyler Kali Yates was born on August 7, 1977, in Lihue, Hawaii, as the eldest of three brothers to parents Gary and Janna Yates. The Yates family was close-knit and competitive, with baseball serving as a central bonding activity; Gary Yates coached local Little League teams, introducing his sons to the sport early, while the brothers—Tyler, middle sibling Spencer, and youngest Kirby—often engaged in intense wiffle ball games in their front yard on Kauai's South Shore starting around age 7 or 8. Tyler and his brothers grew up immersed in Kauai's community baseball scene on the South Shore, playing Little League for the Westside Kōloa team and navigating rivalries with squads from Waimea and Kekaha, which fostered a deep passion for the game within the family—later exemplified by ' own successful career as a .

College and draft selection

Yates attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he played as a for the Vulcans. As a starter during his time there, his control was often erratic, drawing initial interest for his raw power potential despite the challenges in command. This performance at the Division II level helped refine his mechanics, setting the stage for professional evaluation. His college experience, building on his Hawaiian roots that nurtured early athletic development, culminated in his selection by the in the 23rd round (675th overall) of the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The late-round pick reflected scouts' belief in his upside as a power arm, leading to his signing and entry into the ' minor league system.

Professional baseball career

Oakland Athletics years

Following his selection in the 23rd round of the 1998 MLB Draft by the , Yates signed with the organization and began his professional career in the rookie-level Arizona League Athletics, where he appeared in 15 games, posting a 3.91 over 23 with two saves. Later that season, he made two relief appearances for the short-season Class A Nuggets, allowing no runs in 2.1 . In 1999, Yates advanced to High-A Visalia Oaks, serving primarily as a reliever in 47 games and recording a 2–5 record with a 5.47 over 82.1 , along with four saves, as he adjusted to full-season competition. His performance improved in 2000, splitting time between High-A Modesto A's—where he went 4–2 with a 2.86 in 30 games—and Visalia, contributing to a combined season of 5–3 with a 3.90 across 52 appearances and 83 ; he also made 22 relief outings at Double-A , though his 6.15 there highlighted areas for mechanical refinement. Yates continued his ascent in 2001, establishing himself as a reliable option at Double-A Midland with a 4–6 record, 4.31 , and 17 saves in 56 games over 62.2 , before a brief promotion to Triple-A , where he pitched scoreless ball in four appearances (1–0, 0.00 , 5.1 IP, 1 SV). Overall that year, he finished 5–6 with a 3.97 and 18 saves in 60 games between the levels, demonstrating growth in command and closing ability that marked his transition from prospect to organizational depth piece. On December 14, 2001, the traded Yates, along with reliever , to the in exchange for outfielder , ending his tenure in Oakland's system after three-plus seasons of steady minor-league progression.

New York Mets tenure

Yates was acquired by the in a December 14, 2001, trade with the , sent along with reliever in exchange for outfielder . Following the deal, he began the 2002 season in the Mets' minor league system but suffered a torn in his pitching elbow during June, undergoing surgery that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2002 season. After a year of rehabilitation, Yates returned to minor league action in 2003, splitting time between the Mets' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates to rebuild his velocity and command. He earned a spot in the Mets' starting rotation during spring training 2004, leveraging his prior minor league experience from Oakland. Yates made his major league debut on April 9, 2004, against the Montreal Expos in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he pitched six scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out four in a no-decision effort during a 3-2 Mets victory. Ten days later, on April 19 at Shea Stadium, he secured his first MLB win, allowing one run over 5⅔ innings in a 4-1 triumph over the Expos, striking out one and walking three. Yates' early success transitioned into a hybrid role as both starter and reliever for the Mets in 2004, but inconsistencies led to multiple demotions to Triple-A . In 21 appearances, including seven starts, he recorded a 2-4 mark with a 6.36 over 46⅔ innings, yielding 61 hits and 35 strikeouts while issuing 25 walks. His season was further hampered by a right issue that worsened over the winter. Entering 2005, Yates was diagnosed with a torn in his right , undergoing arthroscopic surgery on February 3 that forced him to miss the entire season while focusing on rehabilitation. The Mets non-tendered him as a on December 21, 2005, effectively ending his tenure with the organization.

Atlanta Braves stint

Yates signed a minor league contract with the as a on May 3, 2006, following his recovery from surgeries that had limited him during his time with the . He was assigned to the Braves' Triple-A affiliate, the Richmond Braves, where he made seven relief appearances and recorded a 2.16 over 8⅓ . On May 31, 2006, the Braves recalled Yates to the major league roster. In his first season with , Yates transitioned into a reliable middle reliever, appearing in 56 games and posting a 3.96 with one save. His lone save came on July 14, 2006, when he pitched a scoreless 12th to secure a 15–12 extra-innings victory over the Padres at . Yates continued in a similar setup role the following year, setting a career high with 75 appearances and a 5.18 , while adding two more saves. Over his two full seasons with the Braves, Yates totaled 131 relief outings and a 4.66 , providing depth to a that reached the in 2006. On March 26, 2008, during , the Braves traded him to the in exchange for minor league pitcher Todd Redmond.

Pittsburgh Pirates period

Yates was acquired by the via trade from the Atlanta Braves on March 26, 2008, in exchange for minor league pitcher Todd Redmond. He quickly assumed a key role in the Pirates' that season, making 72 appearances and posting a 6–3 record with a 4.66 over 73.1 , during which he recorded 63 strikeouts. This marked his most extensive usage in , as he served primarily as a middle reliever in a Pirates team that finished with a 57–104 record. In 2009, Yates appeared in only 15 games for the Pirates, going 0–2 with a 7.50 ERA in 12 innings, before undergoing his second Tommy John surgery on July 15 to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The procedure sidelined him for the remainder of the season and into the following year, limiting his effectiveness and highlighting ongoing arm issues that had previously required similar surgery in 2002. Following the surgery, Yates signed minor league contracts with the Pirates for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, spending time with their Triple-A affiliate, the , but he did not return to the major leagues. On November 2, 2011, he elected free agency, effectively ending his career after accumulating MLB totals of 12 wins, 17 losses, a 5.12 , and 222 strikeouts across 239 appearances.

Post-retirement life

Transition to law enforcement

Following his election to free agency by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization on November 2, 2011, Tyler Yates retired from professional baseball, concluding a career that spanned over a decade in the major and minor leagues. With no further contracts pursued, Yates shifted his focus to public service, drawn back to his native after years on the mainland. Motivated by a desire to serve his home community on Kauai, Yates enrolled in the Kauai Police Department's training academy, completing the required program to earn certification as a police officer. In January 2014, he was among four recruits sworn in during a graduation ceremony led by Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades, marking his official entry into law enforcement as a patrol officer with the Kauai County Police Department. In his initial role, Yates served in local policing duties on Kauai, patrolling the island he grew up on and applying his from to protection and response efforts. This transition allowed him to establish roots in the state of his birth, contributing to public safety in a familiar environment after years away.

Community involvement

Following his promotion to with the Kauaʻi Police Department in December 2022, Tyler Yates continues to serve in on the island as of 2024, contributing to community safety initiatives as part of the department's emphasis on and engagement efforts. As a former Task Force Officer with the , Yates has supported broader public safety operations while maintaining his local role. In addition to his police duties, Yates has remained active in baseball-related community outreach, particularly mentoring young athletes in Hawaiʻi. He has participated in youth clinics, including the 2012 Chevy Youth Baseball Clinic on Kauaʻi, where he and other former MLB players instructed local children on fundamentals. In 2019, Yates co-hosted the inaugural Yates Baseball Clinic with his brother, , providing free pitching and catching instruction to over 100 children aged 9 to 18 at Vidinha Stadium in Līhuʻe, aiming to inspire local youth through their shared professional experiences. Yates has also contributed to youth development by serving as a pitching coach for high school teams, including support for his brother Spencer's program at Kauaʻi High School starting in 2020, helping to build skills and discipline among student-athletes. These efforts underscore his commitment to fostering community ties through sports, drawing on his MLB background to promote perseverance and opportunity for Kauaʻi keiki.

References

  1. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/y/yatesty01.shtml
  2. https://kauainownews.com/2022/12/08/kaua%25CA%25BBi-police-department-promotes-7-honors-4-and-welcomes-3-new-officers/
  3. https://www.mlb.com/player/tyler-yates-407884
  4. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/677485-tyler-yates/
  5. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/stats/_/id/5098/tyler-yates
  6. https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2020/06/15/sports/where-are-they-know-uniform-swap-for-tyler-yates-who-has-no-regrets/
  7. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/page/Buster201907241/how-kirby-yates-went-one-mlb-worst-pitchers-trade-deadline-darling
  8. https://midweekkauai.com/editorials/kauai-kine/congrats-kauais-newest-cops/
  9. https://www.kauai.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/police/documents/2020-annual-report.pdf
  10. https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/federal_law_enforcement_support_for_smith.pdf
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/406488/2018/06/24/split-finger-fastball-forestalls-second-career-for-padres-reliever-kirby-yates/
  12. https://www.timesonline.com/story/sports/mlb/2009/05/02/for-yates-hawaii-is-home/18379724007/
  13. https://midweekkauai.com/kauai-coverstory/kirby-yates/
  14. https://www.hawaiiprepworld.com/featured/red-raiders-alum-spencer-yates-is-the-new-kauai-high-baseball-coach/
  15. https://www.khon2.com/sports/local-sports/padres-reliever-yates-following-footsteps-of-brother-on-the-field-father-at-home/
  16. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=yates-001tyl
  17. http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/2001/1214/1295754.html
  18. https://archives.starbulletin.com/2002/06/21/sports/index5.html
  19. https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/10/sports/baseball-mets-yates-shows-he-s-where-he-belongs.html
  20. https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN200404190.shtml
  21. https://www.nydailynews.com/2005/01/29/yates-out-for-05-cameron-healthier-2/
  22. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=yatesty01
  23. https://archive.triblive.com/news/tuesdays-sports-transactions-89/
  24. https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN200607140.shtml
  25. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/03/pirates-acquire-3.html
  26. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/2008.shtml
  27. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2009/07/16/pirates-yates-on-elbow-surgery-i-ll-be-back/stories/200907160312
  28. https://archive.triblive.com/news/pirates-reliever-yates-done-for-season/
  29. https://www.milb.com/player/tyler-yates-407884
  30. https://govsalaries.com/salaries/HI/county-of-kauai?page=3
  31. https://www.thegardenisland.com/2012/08/21/sports/kauais-tyler-yates-other-mlb-alum-work-with-keiki-at-chevy-youth-baseball-clinic/
  32. https://bhscouncil.com/2019/11/02/kirby-yates-hosts-inaugural-baseball-clinic-in-kauai/
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