Herbert Lee Washington (born November 16, 1951) is an American world-class sprinter who parlayed his speed into a brief Major League Baseball (MLB) stint in 1974 and 1975 with the Oakland Athletics.

Washington chose Michigan State University because he knew that there were a number of black athletes at the school.

Washington was selected in the 13th round in the 1972 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, but did not play for them; he informed the team that he was committed to competing in the Big Ten Conference meet, in addition to attempting to make the US Olympic track team for the 1972 Summer Olympics; at the time, amateur status was a much stricter requirement.

The following week, he set the 60-yard dash record outright, stopping the clock at 5.8 at a home meet in East Lansing.

The contract had an unusual clause requiring Washington to grow facial hair before the beginning of the season.

Appearing as a pinch runner for Joe Rudi in game two of the World Series, Washington was picked off first base in a crucial ninth-inning situation by Dodgers reliever Mike Marshall.

Before the season, the Athletics had acquired Don Hopkins, a pinch running specialist who could also play in the outfield.

[3] The Athletics had also acquired a second pinch running specialist, Matt Alexander, just before Washington's release.

[9] Following his 13-month stint as the only "designated runner" in MLB history, Washington joined the professional track and field circuit and remained in competition until 1976.

[13] Washington was co-chairman of the Small Business Committee of the United Way, and was active in the Urban League of Rochester.

[17] Washington's son Terrell ran track in college, and[1] as of 2012, he was the general manager of his father's McDonald's franchising company.