New York Yankees (1998–2002)

Spencer was first called up to the major league in 1998 at the age of 26, in the midst of a famously dominant season by the Yankees. He first played briefly in April, then endeared himself memorably to fans in September by hitting 10 home runs, including three grand slams,^[1][2] then a record for Major League rookies, until it was broken by Alexei Ramírez in 2008.^[3] Spencer accomplished the feat in only 67 at-bats, earning him a spot on the Yankees postseason roster.

Additionally, Spencer was nicknamed Roy Hobbs in reference to the protagonist in The Natural, because he hit many home runs and was older than most rookies when brought up to the majors.^[4][5] He was on the front cover of the October 1998 edition of Sports Illustrated.^[6]

In the postseason, Spencer hit a solo home run in Game 2 at Yankee Stadium and a three-run shot on the road during the 1998 American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers.^[7] The Yankees went on to win the World Series.

Spencer was squeezed out of a regular role on the 1999 team when the Yankees decided to platoon Ricky Ledee and Chad Curtis in left field. He was soon demoted to Triple-A in order to get regular playing time. In May, Spencer voiced his frustration with the organization.^[8] He was up and down with the team throughout the season, even hitting the Disabled List with an irregular heartbeat.^[9][10]

Spencer was ultimately left off the World Series roster. He publicly discussed his frustration with his roll on the team with the media.^[11]

In 2000, he eventually won back playing time to become the team's starting left fielder. However, Spencer suffered an ACL tear in his right knee in July that ended his season.^[12][13] The Yankees acquired Glenallen Hill from the Cubs just a few days later.^[14]

After rehabbing his knee in the minors to start the 2001 season, he returned to the big leagues in June and homered on his first game back.^[15] Spencer homered in the team's first game at Yankee Stadium following the attack on the World Trade Center.^[16] Spencer managed to win more playing time in the World Series, edging out Chuck Knoblauch for at-bats.^[17]

Following Paul O'Neill's retirement, Spencer was the Yankees starting right fielder to bein the season.^[18] However, by June, he had lost his starting job to rookie Juan Rivera. Spencer instead filled in at the corner outfield spots as needed.^[19]

Later career (2003–2006)

After reaching free agency for the first time, he signed with Cleveland for the 2003 season before being traded to Rangers in July for outfielder Ryan Ludwick.^[20]

In 2004, he signed with the Mets and his time with the team was marred by off-the-field incidences. In March, during spring training, Spencer and teammate Karim Garcia were involved in an altercation with a pizza deliveryman outside a bar near. No charges were filed but both players were fined.^[21] Spencer hit the Disabled List in July, after he cut his foot stepping on broken glass in a bar. While rehabbing the injury in Port St. Lucie, Spencer was arrested on a DUI charge.^[22] He was suspended by the team^[23] then released from the organization. The Yankees re-signed him to a minor league deal.^[24][25]

In 2005, he signed with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League,^[26] appearing in 108 games and hitting 9 homers. In 2006, he continued to play for the Tigers, but was cut.