South SFV Today

John Yandle, a long-standing batting practice (BP) pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, has been offering his expertise on the field for 40 years. Yandle emphasizes the importance of throwing with firmness and control while avoiding unnecessary heat. He states, "Players only get 20 to 25 swings on the field before a game; they don’t have pitches to waste."

Yandle, who began his BP pitching career in 1985, temporarily stepped aside in 2015 due to rotator cuff surgery. His absence revealed the challenge of replacing him when a recently released AAA pitcher struggled to adapt, prompting the Giants to call Yandle back.

Left-handed pitchers are rare among coaches who throw BP. Before Bryan Price joined as pitching coach this season, Yandle was the sole lefty available for warming up against southpaw starters. Barry Bonds, one of baseball's most successful sluggers, praised Yandle’s contribution to his career: “I needed John,” Bonds said.

Despite not being a coach or having BP pitching as his primary job—he is an executive managing director at Newmark—Yandle dedicates time to assist the team. On game days against lefty starters at home, he drives from Menlo Park or San Jose to Oracle Park and starts working about three hours before first pitch.

Yandle's approach involves maintaining gamelike conditions during BP sessions. Shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald remarked on Yandle’s challenging pitches: “It’s actually really challenging hitting off of John. He mixes it up and it’s not in the same spot every time.”

Maintaining his fitness and dedication has earned Yandle respect within the team. Hitting coach Justin Viele lauded his work ethic, while Ron Wotus referred to him as “a superstar.” Despite these accolades, Yandle remains humble: “I’m not here for myself; I’m here to help them.”

Nicknamed "Cutter John" for his four-seam fastball that cuts toward the inside of the plate, Yandle also throws a curveball, slider, and changeup. Reflecting on his journey from aspiring Major League pitcher to indispensable BP pitcher for the Giants, he recalled advice from former Padres manager Roger Craig: “I’ll see you in the big leagues someday.”

Yandle's friendship with Bonds was forged through countless private batting cage sessions where they would challenge each other playfully. Bonds' support extended beyond camaraderie; he ensured Yandle accompanied the team on road trips when facing left-handed pitchers.

Balancing his dual roles hasn’t brought financial wealth but has provided rich experiences and relationships within baseball. As he approaches 70 years old and with hundreds of thousands of pitches thrown over decades, Yandle reflects on how long he will continue: “The coaches and players will let me know when I’m no longer needed.”

Despite occasional doubts about balancing work commitments with baseball duties, stepping onto the field always reignites his passion: “This isn’t my last year,” he concludes.

Kelli Anderson is a writer based in Sonoma, California.