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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. (MC)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » August 17, 1961: It takes the Phils 11 innings at County Stadium, but they finally lose to the Braves, 7–6 when Al Spangler singles home the winner. For Philadelphia, it is their 20th loss in a row, a modern ML record. The Phils lose a 6–4 lead in the 8th when Joe Adcock slams a 2-run homer off Art Mahaffey to tie. » April 14, 1965: In a banner finish, Al Spangler stars for the Astros by swiping home with the winning run in the 11th to give the Astros a 7–6 win over the Mets. » August 8, 1968: The Cubs trip the Braves, 4–0, behind Bill Hands, with relief help from Phil Regan. Ump Chris Pelekoudas goes the mound to inspect cap and glove of the Cubs' Phil Regan. When game continues, Pelakoudas accuses Regan of three illegal pitches nullifying a fly out, a K, and changing a strike to a ball. Wrigley fans toss garbage on field. Leo Durocher, Randy Hundley, and Al Spangler get tossed as well. NL prexy Warren Giles, after a special hearing, says umps should have better evidence before calling pitches illegal.