Minor leagues Yelle began his career in organized baseball in 1911 with the
Boyne City Boosters club from
Boyne City, Michigan. Yelle appeared in 25 games in 1917, 13 as a starter, and compiled a .137
batting average and a .214
on-base percentage. The following year, he appeared in 56 games, 43 as the Tigers' starting catcher, and compiled a .174 batting average and a .227 on-base percentage. In 1919, he appeared in only six games for the Tigers and failed to hit in five at bats. He appeared in his last major league game on July 20, 1919. In 1921, Yelle compiled a career high .293 batting average in 113 games for the Seals. In 1925, the Seals were 128–71, winning another PCL title. That year, Yelle hit .267 in 101 games and was chosen by
The Sporting News as the catcher for the PCL All Star Team. On October 6, 1926, the Seals sold Yelle to the
Portland Beavers of the PCL. Yelle appeared in 111 games for Portland in 1927 and compiled a .260 batting average. After leaving the PCL, Yelle continued to play for several more years for the
Des Moines Demons in 1928,
Atlanta Crackers in 1929 and 1930,
Columbus Foxes in 1930, and
Memphis Chickasaws and
New Orleans Pelicans in 1930. He also served as manager of the Des Moines team in 1928. In 17 seasons in the minor leagues, Yelle appeared in 1,449 games, 1,305 of them as a catcher. ==Later years==