In 1961–1962 he served in the Army's 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, where he continued to play in and officiate baseball games.

He also officiated in five no-hitters, including being the home plate umpire for two: Clyde Wright's on July 3, 1970 [6] and Mike Warren's on September 29, 1983.

With his team trailing 4–0 after 4+1⁄2 innings, Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver requested that the umpires instruct the grounds crew to remove a tarpaulin covering one of the pitcher's mounds in the Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen in foul territory down the left-field line.

When the Oriole players did not return five minutes later, Springstead declared a forfeit and awarded the Blue Jays a 4–0 win.

MLB did not cite specific reasons for the firings, but Springstead said the actions were related to a series of missed calls by the umpires who worked the 2009 baseball postseason.

Rob Manfred, executive vice president for MLB, said, "The change in supervisors is part of our ongoing effort to make our organization as strong as possible."

Springstead retired from field duties after the 1985 season and became the AL's fourth Executive Director of Umpires on January 1, 1986, succeeding Dick Butler.