Herb Washington

Herbert Lee (Herb) Washington (born November 16, 1951 in Belzoni, Mississippi) is a former world-class sprinter tapped by Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley in 1974 to become the first (and only) "designated runner" in Major League Baseball history. Despite having vitually no baseball experience, Washington was a member of the Athletics 1974 World Series championship team. He debuted on April 4 1974.

Related Topics:
November 16 - 1951 - Belzoni, Mississippi - Sprinter - Oakland Athletics - Charlie Finley - 1974 - Major League Baseball - 1974 World Series - April 4 - 1974

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Washington, who played in 104 major league games without batting, pitching, or fielding, compiled 31 stolen bases in 48 attempts and scored 33 runs. He was used exclusively as a pinch-runner. Unfortunately for Oakland, the former track star had a less-than-stellar success rate of 64.58 percent as a base stealer. During the 1975 season, Finley decided the experiment had "run" its course and Washington's brief baseball career was over. He played his final game on May 4 1975.

Related Topics:
Batting - Pitching - Fielding - Stolen base - Runs - Pinch-runner - 1975 - May 4 - 1975

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Following his baseball career, Washington joined the pro track circuit and remained in competition until 1976. Today he is a successful business man, owning several McDonalds franchises in the Rochester, NY area.

Related Topics:
1976 - McDonalds - Rochester, NY

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