Posted: Feb 20, 2017
GRIZZLIES NAME FORMER CARDINAL KEN OBERKFELL HITTING COACH FOR 2017 SEASON
GCS CREDIT UNION BALLPARK - SAUGET, IL- The Grizzlies are adding another former Major League player to their field staff for the 2017 season. Ken Oberkfell, a former St. Louis Cardinal third baseman, will take over as the Grizzlies' head hitting coach.
The former World Series champion spent 15 years in the majors, seven of which were with the Cardinals where he won the Fall Classic with them in 1982. During his time in the big leagues, the southern Illinois native put together a .278 career batting average with 1,354 hits and 446 RBIs.
"I'm happy and excited about this opportunity," said Oberkfell. "I grew up in Maryville, Illinois and it's great to be able to work for an organization that is close to home."
Oberkfell has coaching experience that dates back to the early 2000's. He has been involved with independent league, minor league, and major league clubs. He took a break from coaching after the 2015 baseball season, where he coached the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.
Oberkfell returns to independent league baseball for the 2017 season with a lot of excitement.
"It's good baseball when you start working with these young kids that are hungry as they are trying to get to the minors." Oberkfell said. "As a coach, when you get a chance to work with those players, it's really enjoyable. I'm excited about working with Phil and helping him out in any way that I can."
With the addition of new pitching coach and former MLB pitcher Randy Wells and now Oberkfell, Grizzlies' manager Phil Warren will also see this season as a chance to learn.
"We look forward to learning from Ken as well as enjoying his presence on and off the field," Warren said. "Our players will certainly benefit from his teachings and I look forward to watching him work."
The Grizzlies' Opening Day will be on May 12 against Florence Freedom. First pitch will come at 7:05 pm. For tickets and more information, call the box office at 618-337-3000 or CLICK HERE!
ABOUT THE GATEWAY GRIZZLIES: The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team, located a mere 100-yards from I255 (10 minutes from downtown St. Louis). The Grizzlies offer baseball fans entertainment, the likes of which are difficult to find - affordable, family, fun in a comfortable ballpark with a great view of the St. Louis skyline. For tickets or general information please visit gatewaygrizzlies.com or call 618.337.3000.
ABOUT THE FRONTIER LEAGUE: The Frontier League is celebrating its 25th year as a professional, independent baseball organization. Since its inception, the Frontier League has provided millions of fans to a fun and exciting baseball experience within the American Midwest. Consisting of 12 teams in two divisions and 96 game schedules, the league is recognized for the amount of talented athletes that are picked up by various MLB teams every year.