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Expos Grab Yost in the 20 th Round of the MLB Draft

DANVILLE, Va. - Averett University left-handed hurler and two-time first team All-USA South selection Wendell Gene Yost is a hot commodity in the world of professional baseball. More than a month after the San Francisco Giants tried to add him to their squad, the Montreal Expos drafted Yost in the 20 th round, as the 594th overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft.

After spending over eight hours in front of a computer screen tracking the draft and listening to the live audio coverage of the event, Yost stepped out following the 19 th round to grab a drink from the vending machine. He left Averett Head Baseball Coach Ed Fulton's office to walk just down the hall for a soft drink. He missed 30 seconds of the draft coverage and ironically, it was during that brief moment when Montreal's Director of Player Development Adam Wogan made the announcement. "Montreal selects Yost, Wendell; left-handed pitcher from Averett University."

"Actually going through the draft and getting your name called out is a different experience for me, but it is even more exciting than before," Yost said.

Yost, a native of Lynchburg, VA, was previously signed by the San Francisco Giants in May. However, days before he was to report for extended spring training in Scottsdale, AZ, it was discovered that he was ineligible to sign before the draft. That option is only given to fifth year college seniors with 10 full-time semesters completed. Yost had completed 10 semesters, but one of those semesters was as a part-time student, thus making him unavailable before the draft.

"There was a lot of concern when I heard the bad news," Yost said. " I told my parents that it would probably not be a good chance of getting drafted. The draft is like that, as players fall in and out. I didn't start looking forward to it, but I tried to stay positive."

Yost actually had no reason to worry, as word quickly spread that he was available. Next came calls from several scouts showing interest and Yost's stock began to rise.

"The Tigers called and let me know they were looking for me in the draft and yesterday morning the Expos called," Yost said. "Montreal was interested in me all along, and this morning I received a call from Oakland and they were looking for me later in the day."

Yost is the second Cougar baseball player to be drafted, as Terrell Merriman was chosen in the 10 th round of the 1998 draft. One look at players chosen after Yost and one can attest to the credibility of the Averett program.

He placed Averett among some elite company, as Mark Alexander from University of Missouri was chosen four picks after Yost, and David Taylor from Baylor University was selected 12 picks later. Additionally, Rhett James from the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Florida State University squad was the 608th pick, 14 selections behind Yost.

"Many people think that if you go to a Division III school like Averett, that you will not get any looks," Yost said. "This proves that you can receive some attention at a school like Averett and get an opportunity to play at the next level. I think this will generate more interest in recruits and hopefully benefit the entire program and university."

Yost has earned all-conference honors in each of his three seasons with the Cougars and was twice selected to the all-region team (2003 and 2004). He also holds the Averett record for the single season strikeout average, as he fanned 10.58 batters per game in 2004. Yost allowed a batting average of only .215 in 2003, which is also a single season record.

On 11 different occasions, Yost has tallied 10 or more strikeouts, including a career-high of 17 this season during a March 6 win over Greensboro College. He also holds a number of offensive school records. Yost's 24 career homers are most in school history and he is tied with teammate Eddie Guessford with nine home runs in a season. Yost accomplished that feat in 2002 and in 2003. He is also the record holder for stolen bases in a game with four.

It is uncertain at this time where Yost will play this summer. But what is certain is that there are Division III prospects all over the nation examining Yost's scenario and holding on to a dream. A dream that Yost's hard work and dedication has turned into a reality.

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