Despite being left-handed, Humphries played catcher, a position dominated by right-handed players.

Humphries attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

He was the first player from Cornell to play in Major League Baseball.

[1] At the age of 21, Humphries began his professional career with the New York Gothams.

In 49 games with the Nationals he batted .176 with 23 runs, 34 hits, two doubles and nine walks.