Buffalo Bisons Tutorial Part 3: Coaching Staff

Manager: Ken Oberkfell played 16 years (1977-1992) in the majors for six different teams including the 1982 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. His coaching career began in the independent leagues, and a stint with the Mohawk Valley Landsharks of the Northeast League. His first Minor League job was with the Piedmont Boll Weivels, a Phillies 'A' affiliate. He was then promoted to the High 'A' Clearwater Phillies.

Oberkfell began his Mets career coaching the Capital City Bombers. He rose through the ranks quickly, managing the St. Lucie Mets and Binghamton Mets before being promoted to the AAA Norfolk Tides in 2005. In that year he was recognized as Minor League Manager of the Year. In the storm that was 2008, he was promoted to replace Tom Nieto as First Base Coach of the New York Mets. This offseason Oberkfell was named Manager of the 2009 Buffalo Bisons.

Pitching Coach: Ricky Bones joined the Mets organization on January 9, 2006 when he was named the Pitching Coach of the St. Lucie Mets. In 2007 and 2008, he served in the same capacity for the Binghamton Mets. He was named pitching coach of Triple-A Buffalo for the 2009 season. Bones pitched in the big leagues for 11 seasons. He made his debut with the Padres in 1991 and played for six teams, concluding his career with the Marlins in 2001.

Batting Coach: Luis Natera served five years as a minor league player. in 2003-4 he served as Hitting Coach for the Kingsport Mets (A). After a two year stint with the Hagerstown Suns, he assumed Hitting Coach duties with the St. Lucie mets (2007). In 2008 he acted as Hitting Coach for the Binghamton Mets (AA) and at the end of the season was named to the same position with the 2009 Buffalo Bisons.