The speedy, slap-hitting Spangler was drafted from the Braves by the expansion Colt .45s (later the Astros), and led the .45s in hitting their first two seasons (.285 in 1962, .281 in 1963). He might have become the prototypical Astrodome player but was waived to the Angels in mid-1965, the year the Dome opened. After a stint in the minors, he joined the Cubs, and throughout Leo Durocher‘s tenure as Chicago manager, Spangler played sparingly, coached, and was reportedly resented by teammates for being too close to the boss.
