Getting To Know... Ned Yost IV

Hey, Brewers fans. I'm Kristina Serafin, a Communications and Public Relations major at Carroll College planning to graduate in May. I'm currently an intern for the Helena Brewers. In this position, I have the opportunity, and the pleasure, of talking to the new coaching staff. Stay tuned this off-season for my profile series with returning and new coaches and maybe some former Helena Brewers players. As I get to know them, you can too.

Ned Yost IV was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2005 out of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and played for the Brewers organization as an infielder until 2007. Yost was a knowledgeable first baseman for Milwaukee's farm system during his three seasons with a .268 batting average. Yost comes back to Helena after beginning his coaching career in 2008 as an assistant. Yost currently resides in Marietta, Georgia.

Kristina: How did you start off with the Brewers?

Ned: I signed on as a free agent in 2005 out of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. I began my playing career in Helena and moved around to a couple different leagues in the Brewers organization. I was a player for three years and began coaching in 2008.

K: How did you come into your position?

N: The opportunity came at the perfect moment. I was at a point in my career where I felt I wasn't going to make anymore progress in my current position. So, I decided to make the transition from minor league player to minor league coach and start a whole new journey.

K: Are you excited for the upcoming season?

N: Yes, every new season is always filled with excitement. There is always a new group of kids just starting their careers and watching them make the first steps as a professional player is great.

K: What are you anticipating the most in the upcoming season?

N: Meeting the guys and helping them get used to minor league life. Making the transition from high school and college baseball into the minor leagues is not easy. Home stands are longer, road trips are longer, games are longer, and days off are few and far between. Moving to a new place and playing all day everyday makes these guys grow up a little quicker and I like being a part of that and helping any way I can. I also like having a little fun. And it would be nice to win the championship this season. Winning is always good.

K: What keeps you coming back to coach for the Helena Brewers?

N: I enjoy Helena. It is a great and beautiful city. I also enjoy working with all the fresh new drafted players. Watching them grow and learn from the things I am able to teach them is very rewarding.

K: What other things do you like about Montana?

N: I do really like Montana as a whole. The scenery is beautiful. Sitting in the dugout looking out over the outfield fence and seeing Mount Helena is unbelievable. I like to hunt and golf as well. I might try fishing up there this year; I hear fishing in Montana is great.

K: What do you like to do on your off days?

N: On my off days I definitely like to play golf and just relax.

K: You've been in Helena for a few seasons now, what do you think of Brewers fans?

N: The Helena Brewers have awesome fans. It is nice to see the same people year in and year out supporting the Brewers. They are very dedicated, kind, and friendly. You can't beat that.

K: What is your favorite promotion during the season?

N: "Moustache Monday," "Fishin' for Tuition," and who doesn't like the "Tot Race."

K: Thanks again Ned for doing this interview and letting all the fans and myself get to know you a little better. As a final question, what is some advice you would give those who wish to follow in your footsteps, whether it is to play or coach professional baseball?

N: My advice is to work hard for what you want. You don't have to be the best player, or the best coach. If you put everything you have into it, you might just get your chance.