Hurley's recorded professional minor-league career began at 23 years of age in 1898, when he played for Utica of the Class B New York State League.

Near the end of the 1901 season, the last-place Cincinnati Reds of the National League signed him as a catcher, backing up Bill Bergen.

He returned to the minors for four more seasons, first with the New Orleans Pelicans of the Southern Association and later for Binghamton and Amsterdam-Gloversville-Johnstown of the New York State League.

Hurley was appointed Elmira's manager in mid-season, and even though the team finished a respectable 68-68, he was fired at the end of the season.

However, after being traded to the Wilkes-Barre Barons and initially refusing to sign a contract, Hurley did come back to play for the State League's Syracuse Stars in 1910.