New York Yankees
While backing up Chris Chambliss at first base, Spencer saw most of his playing time at DH in New York. He reached the post-season for the first time in his career in 1978. He did not appear in the 1978 American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals, however, he appeared in four of the six games of the World Series, and had two hits in twelve at-bats.
Spencer's career high in home runs (23) came in 1979 with the Yankees, in a year that he only got 295 at-bats. He only had 85 hits on the season, 41 of which were for extra bases, giving his a .593 slugging percentage. Perhaps his most memorable at-bat of the season occurred on July 13 against Nolan Ryan. Ryan had a no-hitter going when Spencer hit a drive to centerfield in the eighth inning. Centerfielder Rick Miller made a diving attempt at the ball, but could not handle it. The official scorer ruled it an error. Reggie Jackson officially ended Ryan's no-hit bid in the ninth.
During Spring training 1981, Spencer was dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Jason Thompson, however the trade was nixed by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. On May 20, he and pitcher Tom Underwood were dealt to the Oakland Athletics for Mike Patterson, Dave Revering and minor leaguer Chuck Dougherty.
Spencer batted only .191 while in Oakland, and was released early in the 1982 season.
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