The versatile Oliver was primarily an outfielder in his 1969 rookie season for the expansion Royals. That May 4 he had six hits in a game. Kansas City’s primary first baseman the next year (although he also played 46 games at third base), Oliver had his best season, batting .260 and reaching career highs with 27 HR, 99 RBI, 83 runs, and 24 doubles. In 1971 he returned to his utility role, and he tied the AL mark for double plays by a first baseman in a game with six on May 14. He was dealt to the Angels after the season for pitcher Tom Murphy. Playing first base in 127 games for California, by far his most at a single position in a season, Oliver rebounded to hit 20 HR while batting a personal-best .269. He duplicated his offensive performance in 1973 as a utility man.
