Ken Oberkfell's journey through Major League Baseball is marked by steady performance and adaptability. Born on May 4, 1956, in Highland, Illinois, Oberkfell began his professional baseball career when he was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 15th round of the 1975 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut with the Cardinals on August 22, 1977, and quickly established himself as a reliable infielder.
Primarily a third baseman, Oberkfell also demonstrated his ability to play second base, which added to his value as a player. His time with the Cardinals was highlighted by his role in the team's 1982 World Series victory. During that championship season, Oberkfell played in 115 games, contributing a solid batting average of .289. His performance in the World Series itself was notable, as he hit .292 and provided steady defense.
In 1984, Oberkfell was traded to the Atlanta Braves, where he continued to be a consistent presence on the field. Over the next few years, he maintained a batting average around the .270 mark, showcasing his ability to get on base and provide stability in the infield. His tenure with the Braves lasted until 1988, when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Oberkfell's time with the Pirates was brief, as he was soon traded to the San Francisco Giants in 1989. With the Giants, he had the opportunity to participate in another postseason, as the team reached the World Series that year. Although the Giants fell to the Oakland Athletics, Oberkfell's experience and steady play were valuable assets during the playoff run.
In 1990, Oberkfell signed with the Houston Astros, where he continued to contribute as a utility infielder. His ability to play multiple positions allowed him to fill various roles as needed, and he remained with the Astros until 1991. Oberkfell's final season in the majors came in 1992, when he played for the California Angels.
Throughout his career, Oberkfell was known for his disciplined approach at the plate and his defensive reliability. He finished his MLB career with a .278 batting average, 29 home runs, and 446 RBIs over 1,602 games. His ability to adapt to different teams and roles made him a valuable player throughout his 16-year career.
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