Spence was a superlative outfielder with fine range and throwing ability, and a lefthanded hitter with some power. He batted a career-high .323 and led the AL with 15 triples for Washington in 1942, his first year as a regular. In 1944 he drove in 100 runs, but spent 1945 in the military. Holding his own with returning veterans, he hit 50 doubles in 1946, and in 1947 became an AL All-Star for the fourth time.