John Spreen

John Spreen debuted with the 1954 St. Cloud Rox, batting just .201 with 4 HR. He moved to the El Dorado Oilers the next year and lifted his average to .217 while doubling his home-run total. In 1956, Spreen hit .181 for St. Cloud and .167 for the Danville Leafs. He finished his career in 1958 with a .179 average for the Eugene Emeralds.

Personal Remembrance

John Spreen was a catcher on the 1954 St. Cloud Rox of the Class C Northern League. I was on the same team as a pitcher. Spreen may also have played again for St. Cloud in 1955. I believe he was from California. He shared catching duties with manager Charlie Fox, who later managed and coached in the major leagues. John was a husky black-haired young player of a bit above average height. I believe his hitting was a problem for him in professional baseball, but he was a reasonably dependable receiver behind the plate. We were all part of the New York Giants Minor League system. He may have played on other pro teams after St. Cloud, but I don't know what teams.

--Submitted by Bill O'Donnell as a personal remembrance.