Herring was born in Seven Springs, North Carolina in September 1911 and graduated with a law degree from Wake Forest but decided to pursue a baseball career.
In Kinston, Herring was called on to take over as player-manager for Snake Henry, who had been suspended for a year after an ugly on-field altercation with an umpire.
At the end of the year, they advanced to the championship round of the playoffs only to lose to Williamston.
Hinting at his future career path in the front office, Herring also held the position of club president.
Herring finished up his playing career with seasons in Pensacola, Wilson, Panama City, and St. Petersburg.