Jack Spring

Jack Spring pitched in only 155 major league games in parts of eight seasons, but was able to accomplish some nice results during that time. The right-handed relief pitcher played for an astounding seven teams during those eight seasons- the Phillies, Red Sox, Senators, Angels, Cubs, Cardinals, and Indians, all between 1955 and 1965. Unfortunately he was never able to establish himself as a long term regular, despite his production.

The Phillies originally signed Spring in 1952. He first appeared with the big league club in 1955, but was never able to gain solid footing with them or any of the subsequent teams he played for. The closest he came was a three season stretch with the expansion Angels from 1961-1963, where he made a total of 120 relief appearances.

Spring posted a career major league record of 12-5 with a 4.26 ERA., and 8 saves. He was renowned for his lack of strikeouts, getting just 86 batters by punch-out in 186 career innings. He even once went 19 consecutive appearances without striking out a batter, still the longest streak in the major leagues since 1957. More information about Spring’s career statistics is available at http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sprinja01.shtml. 

I was recently able to ask Spring a few questions about his playing career. He was nice enough to send back his responses, which are posted below.

Jack Spring Questionnaire:

If you could do anything differently about your playing career, what would that be?: Probably could have worked harder in the offseason.

What was the strangest play you ever saw as a player?: Playing with Satchel Paige in 1956 in Miami, Florida.

Who was your favorite coach or manager?: Bill Rigney.

What was your favorite restaurant when you were on the road as a player?: Mexican food in Phoenix. No special one. While in Triple-A, Pacific Coast League.