Herb Washington

Herbert Lee Washington (born November 16, 1951) is an American world-class sprinter who parlayed his speed into a brief Major League Baseball (MLB) stint in 1974 and 1975 with the Oakland Athletics.

Washington was selected in the 13th round in the 1972 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, but did not play for them; he informed the team that he was committed to competing in the Big Ten Conference meet, in addition to attempting to make the US Olympic track team for the 1972 Summer Olympics; at the time, amateur status was a much stricter requirement.

During the 1972 indoor season, he tied Kirk Clayton's two-year-old hand-timed world record in the 50-yard dash of 5.0 at a meet in Toronto, which Mel Pender also tied twice a month later.

The following week, he set the 60-yard dash record outright, stopping the clock at 5.8 at a home meet in East Lansing.

A few years later, Washington said that his biggest disappointment had been not qualifying for the 1972 Summer Olympics.

Washington was on the cover of the February 1972 issue of Track and Field News. In 1973, Washington again tied the 50-yard record at the same meet in Toronto.

Later that summer, Washington won the international Pacific Conference Games 100 metres which was also in Toronto.

In 1974, Washington was tapped by Oakland A's owner Charlie Finley to become the team's "designated runner".

Finley and Washington worked out a one-year $45,000 contract with a $20,000 signing bonus.

The contract had an unusual clause requiring Washington to grow facial hair before the beginning of the season.

Washington had difficulty growing a full mustache, so he used an eyebrow pencil to simulate full facial hair.

Despite having no professional baseball experience, and having last played baseball in high school, Washington was a member of the Athletics 1974 World Series championship team.

Finley announced that he would utilize Washington as a "designated runner" and that he did not expect Washington to develop other baseball skills.

Washington received coaching on baserunning from Maury Wills.

Though Washington's teammates recognized his speed, he received a mixed reception from them because of his unusual background.

Reggie Jackson said, "He's a great athlete, but he's not a baseball player."

Pitcher Rollie Fingers said that he thought the idea was "a little crazy" but that Washington "could run like crazy".

Bert Campaneris said that the team could count on Washington to steal a base when needed.

Before the 1974 World Series, team captain Sal Bando said that he did not think Washington should be used in the World Series, noting that Washington might not have a second chance to make up for any mistakes committed during the series.

Appearing as a pinch runner for Joe Rudi in game two of the World Series, Washington was picked off first base in a crucial ninth-inning situation by Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall.

He was replaced in 1975 when the Athletics acquired a baserunning specialist who was also a position player.

Washington returned to professional track, then became the owner/operator of numerous McDonald's restaurants and a minor league professional hockey franchise.

He has held a number of executive posts on varied boards and organizations.

Washington was born in Belzoni, Mississippi, and his family moved to Flint, Michigan, when Washington was an infant.

His parents worked in the automotive industry.

Early in the 1975 season, Washington was released.

Before the season, the Athletics had acquired Don Hopkins, a pinch running specialist who could also play in the outfield.

The Athletics had also acquired a second pinch running specialist, Matt Alexander, just before Washington's release.

Washington played in 105 MLB games without batting, pitching, or fielding, playing exclusively as a pinch runner.

He had 31 stolen bases in 48 attempts and scored 33 runs during his short career.

Washington is one of only seven players to have more game appearances than plate appearances, presumably excluding starting pitchers who played primarily for the American League, and relief pitchers.

Washington's 1975 Topps baseball card is the only baseball card ever released that uses the "pinch runner" position label.

Neither record has been surpassed, as races run in yards are rare, with records for these having been discontinued in 1976, and hand times ceased to be accepted from 1977.

Following his 13-month stint as the only "designated runner" in MLB history, Washington joined the professional track and field circuit and remained in competition until 1976.

He worked for Michigan Bell as an assistant director of personnel.

Washington attended Flint Northern High School until 10th grade, when it was discovered that he lived outside of the school's boundaries.

Losing a semester of athletic eligibility, Washington was forced to transfer to a rival school, Flint Central High School.

There he ran the 100-yard dash in 9.4 seconds, attracting numerous college scholarship offers.

Washington chose Michigan State University because he knew that there were a number of black athletes at the school.

At Michigan State, the four-time all-American won one National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) title, won seven Big Ten titles, and tied or broke the world record in the 50- and 60-yard dashes several times.