Versatile Culberson 'having fun' on field

ARLINGTON -- Charlie Culberson keeps a number of different gloves in his locker in the Rangers’ clubhouse. The one he uses the most is, unsurprisingly, the infielder's mitt, which he’s used during his 57 games at third base this season.

He’s also got one for the outfield, first base, pitcher and even catcher -- though he’s never made an official appearance at the position. But that’s been the story of Culberson’s career: versatility. The Georgia native made his 500th career MLB appearance as the pinch-hitter in the Rangers' 8-3 loss on Saturday. Game No. 501 will come in his start in left field in Sunday's series finale.

Culberson also reached six full years of service time last month.

Throughout his entire career, the utilityman has appeared in games at seven different positions: 115 at third base, 97 in left field, 75 at shortstop, 56 at second base, 23 at first base, 14 in right field and five on the mound (where he’s posted a 2.08 ERA).

“I just try to just try to have fun with it,” said Culberson about playing various positions. “Sometimes, I think about it like playing catch with my little boy outside. I tell him to see the ball, catch it and make a good throw. And that's what I try to do. I enjoy being versatile. I enjoy having different gloves and being able to play anywhere. So that's another opportunity to play and to go out there and kind of prove myself at different positions.”

Rangers manager Chris Woodward said Culberson is a player that does everything and he does it well. Everybody loves Culberson, both on and off the field.

Woodward and Culberson overlapped in the Dodgers organization in 2016-17, and the skipper has emphasized all season long that Culberson’s veteran presence in the clubhouse has been vital in a rebuilding year.

“He's just a professional,” Woodward said. “That's the best compliment I can give you. That was the best compliment I could receive as a player. He's a great teammate. He exemplifies all the things that we value here in this organization, and that's why we adore him. There's really no flaw.

“There's nothing I could say bad about him. He brings positive energy every day. He's just uplifting. I can go on and on about Charlie and rave about him, which I always do. He's one of the better human beings I've ever been around.”

Another of Culberson’s former managers, Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves, echoed the sentiment that he’s a professional.

Culberson spent four years in Atlanta, playing for his hometown team and contributing to two playoff runs as a utilityman for the club.

“Just the determination and dedication that he has to the game, Charlie is a pro,” Snitker said. “He’s been dealt a lot of different hands and he’s always handled everything with class and dignity. You won’t find a better teammate than that guy. Charlie’s a guy that I will always pull for because he gives you everything he has every day. He doesn’t take anything for granted -- I know that. You can’t help but root for a guy like Charlie Culberson.”

Culberson added that all he ever wanted to do was be a good person and play baseball. Everything else that happens on the field is icing on the cake, including suiting up at whatever position he needs to. That’s been the biggest contribution to his longevity in this league.

“I'm not going to compare myself to the greats, but I just enjoy playing baseball,” Culberson said. “It's given me a good time. And I know that I'll have done enough to develop great relationships along the way. I just try to enjoy each and every day. You never know when it's going to be your last. Just being a good person, helping others, and good things happen.”