In 1974, Herb Washington was signed by Oakland Athletics owner Charlie Finley to become the A’s designated runner. Despite having no professional baseball experience, and having last played baseball in high school, Washington became a member of the Athletics 1974 World Series Championship team.

Washington played in 105 major league games without batting, pitching, or fielding. He played exclusively as a pinch runner. He had 31 stolen bases in 48 attempts and scored 33 runs during his career. He was released one month into the 1975 season and never played professional baseball again.

Herb Washington’s 1975 Topps baseball card is the only baseball card ever released that uses the “pinch runner” position label.