Herbert Lee Washington (born November 16, 1951) is a former 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 called out on a pickoff play in the 1974 World Series. 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 held a number of executive posts on varied boards and organizations.\n', '

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. 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 finish at the 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.\n', '

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.\n', '

Return to Herb Washington Autograph Profile