Ben Yokley is entering his fourth season of professional baseball and first in independent ball with the Explorers.

Yokley a National Honor Society student in high school, played his collegiate ball at the United States Air Fore Academy. He was a major contributor for the Falcons as he set a school record of 95 career pitching appearances over his college career. Over those 95 appearances he registered a 5.50 ERA and a 7-8 record. He also struck out 137 batters in 121.2 innings and never allowed a single home run in his four years at the Air Force Academy.

The native of Arvada, Colorado was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 29th round of the 2015 MLB Draft He became the first pitcher to ever be drafted out of the Air Force Academy. Post graduation he was given 60 days of leave before he would begin his military service and with that time pitched at the rookie ball level posting a 5.40 ERA in seven games.

Yokley did not play professional baseball during the 2016 and 2017 seasons as he was completing his service time for the United States Air Force and still currently, Yokley, is a Captain in the Colorado Air National Guard.

In 2018 the right hander spent most of the season at A level Peoria, appearing in 15 games with a 2-1 record and a 3.86 ERA. He struck out 20 batters in 21 innings.

The strong 2018 season earned him a promotion to High-A, Palm Beach for the 2019 season. Last year Yokley made 31 appearances including a single start, holding a 3.26 ERA and registering four saves. Yokley’s numbers were good enough to earn him a spot on the Florida State League, Mid-Season All-Star Team.

The Sioux City Explorers 28th season in Siouxland will begin on May 19th at the Kansas City T-Bones. The X’s open up their home schedule on May 26th against the Sioux Falls Canaries. Season tickets, flex tickets, group tickets and luxury suites are now for sale for all 50 Explorers home games for the 2020 season. Simply call (712) 277-WINS (9467) to order your ticket package today.