Coaching Staff

Tyler Rost | Hitting Coach and Recruiting Coordinator

Tyler Rost was added to the Northwestern baseball staff as hitting coach and recruiting coordinator in September of 2023. He arrives in Evanston after a three-year tenure at Duke, where he served as the director of player development. During his time in Durham, Rost helped the Blue Devils to an ACC Tournament Championship and two NCAA Tournament berths, including a Super Regional in 2023. Prior to that, Rost's career included stops as an assistant at North Carolina Central, Winston Salem State and Greenville University.

During his playing days, Rost spent two seasons in the Pecos League, where he led the Alpine Cowboys to a League Championship in 2012. The outfielder finished with a .286 average, a .465 OBP and 19 stolen bases in 86 games across both seasons. He spent his collegiate years at Cedarville University and finished his career with NCCAA All-American and American Mideast Conference First Team honors to show for it.

Greenspan on Rost:
"Tyler's work at Duke was profound. Under his direction their program established new school standards in many hitting categories last year. He will be a tireless worker with an excellent appreciation for the challenges and opportunities presented to student athletes at a premiere academic institution. His ability to relate to student-athletes, peers, administrators, and alums will enable him to recruit very effectively and serve as a terrific ambassador for Northwestern Baseball. We welcome Tyler and his family to Evanston."

Ben Keizer | Pitching Coach

Ben Keizer joined Northwestern baseball as the pitching coach in September of 2023. He came to Northwestern after two years with the Chicago Cubs, where he worked in the business office as a partnership development specialist. Prior to that role, his baseball resume included a year of professional play after a decorated collegiate career at Michigan.

After graduating from Michigan in 2020, Keizer signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Yankees. He made appearances for both the FCL Yankees (ROK) and the Tampa Tarpons (A) during the 2021 season, going 5-3 with 25 strikeouts in 28.0 innings across both levels.

During his collegiate career, Keizer pitched four seasons and helped Michigan to the Championship Series of the 2019 Men's College World Series. The left-handed pitcher made 52 appearances, including five in the 2019 postseason, and earned a 5-2 record on a 5.03 ERA in Ann Arbor. Keizer was instrumental during the Wolverines' 2019 run to Omaha, pitching a one-hit, six-out save against UCLA in the final game of the Los Angeles Super Regional. He was also named team captain in 2019 and 2020 and was a three-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.

Greenspan on Keizer:
"Ben brings a unique and valued background to our program. His playing experience in the Big Ten and the College World Series as well as his most recent tenure with the Cubs make him a welcome addition to our staff. Most importantly, however, is Ben's commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience at Northwestern University. He will be an astute evaluator of pitching talent, a positive and effective teacher and a relentless worker. We welcome Ben to the Wildcat Family."

Cody Jefferis | Director of Baseball Operations

Cody Jefferis joined Northwestern Athletics in February 2024 as Director of Baseball Operations.

Prior to Northwestern, Jefferis worked as the Director of Player Development for the Michigan baseball program in the fall of 2023. Before transitioning into the baseball office, he played shortstop for the Wolverines while attending graduate school in Social Work.

Jefferis obtained a degree in Communication Studies in 2022 from the University of San Diego where he played shortstop for the Toreros baseball team from 2018-22. He was voted into the 2022 WCC All-Tournament Team during his senior season and was a candidate for the 2022 Senior CLASS Award which recognizes a student-athlete’s areas of excellence in community, classroom, character and competition.

The Valencia, California native enjoys fishing, golfing, and traveling to new places among his hobbies.