Braves Have a Crowd at Third Base But it Doesn’t Bother Ken Oberkfell

When Atlanta Braves’ third baseman Ken Oberkfell looks around, he sees a crowd.

The mob includes regular shortstop Rafael Ramirez, who is learning the position to keep him in the lineup while rookie Andres Thomas gets more playing time, and outfielder Brad Komminsk, who manager Chuck Tanner wants to turn into a third baseman.

Others who have worked at third base this spring are Ted Simmons, who may spend some time there this season as Tanner looks for ways to give him more at bats, and outfielder Billy Sample.

“I don’t pay much attention to it,” said Oberkfell. “The same thing happened at St. Louis, and I was there for a long time. It’s good for players to know several positions.”

Oberkfell, who has a four-year, $3 million contract, also plays second base, where Glenn Hubbard is the regular.

The Braves acquired Oberkfell in 1984 after injuries repeatedly sidelined third baseman Bob Horner, now the Braves’ first baseman.

Unlike Horner, Oberkfell supplies little power. Last season he produced three homers and batted in 35 runs.

Oberkfell tried to drive the ball last season, but succeeded only in dropping his batting average to .272 from his lifetime .286. This season, Tanner said he wants Oberkfell to resume his opposite-field swing.

“What’s wrong with having a third who hits .280?” Tanner said. He described Oberkfell as “a hardnosed kid who plays hard even when he’s hurt and can do a lot of things.”

“Chuck knows what kind of player I am,” Oberkfell said. “He wants me to be Ken Oberkfell and nobody else. It’s nice to have the security of the contract, but I know I have to go out and do the job.”