A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, Bud played for the St. Louis University Billikens from 1974 to 1978 where many of his stats still remain in the school's record book. He ranks in the Top 20 among pitchers at St. Louis University. He is fourth on the all-time list for total wins in a season. He is fifth on the list for complete games pitched. Yates had 139 career strikeouts while pitching for St. Louis University. Bud was scouted by a number of professional teams during his playing days at Sumner High School from 1970 to 1974. His senior year, Yates pitched a perfect seven-inning game against McKinley High School. From 1974 to 1978, he pitched in the Heine Meine semi-pro league for the St. Louis Dodgers. Bud achieved many awards during his career with the Dodgers of the Cool Papa Bell League, including leading the team to the Tournament of Champions title in 1977. He was a pitcher for the Mathews-Dickey Knights from 1971 to 1973 and honored by Mathews-Dickey as a Outstanding Alumni in 2007 for his accomplishments as a club member and in the business world. Yates pitched for the St. Louis Bees in 1969 and 1970. Yates pitched for the St. Louis Blazers in 1973 and 1974. He coached amateur baseball teams in the St. Louis area for a number of years.