He also played two years of professional baseball as a second baseman for the Hanover Hornets and the Gettysburg Ponies of the Blue Ridge League.
[1][2] Herman was a halfback and punter for the Franklin & Marshall Nevonians (now called the "Diplomats") located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
[3][4] Herman first drew notice as a substitute in 1913, scoring two touchdowns in a victory over Franklin & Marshall's rival, Gettysburg College.
Much praise is due the visitors from Lancaster, for during the entire game they fought with a snap and vim that at times had the Red and Blue eleven bewildered.
"[9] Herman was also a member and the captain of the varsity baseball team at Franklin & Marshall where he was "recognized as one of the best college players on the diamond.
His fielding is as nearly perfect as can be found in teams of the Blue Ridge class, he is a strong batter, and his base running has frequently been a subject for comment.
[10]Upon his graduation from Franklin & Marshall in 1916, a bidding war developed for Herman's services as a professional baseball player.
[11][12][17][18] Before leaving for active duty, Herman is credited with helping to sustain the football program at Franklin and Marshall during the war when many of the team's players were directed to military action.