McFarland made his MLB debut on April 22, 1896, with the Louisville Colonels, a team that was part of the National League at the time. During his rookie season, he played in 116 games, primarily as an outfielder, a position he would occupy for most of his career. His batting average in his first year was .305, indicating a strong start to his professional career.
After spending two seasons with the Louisville Colonels, McFarland moved to the Chicago Orphans (later known as the Cubs) in 1898. His tenure with the Chicago team was marked by solid performances, both at bat and in the field. However, his time with the Orphans was relatively short-lived, as he transitioned to the American League in 1901, joining the Chicago White Sox.
The move to the White Sox and the American League marked a significant phase in McFarland's career. He played for the White Sox for two seasons, from 1901 to 1902. During this period, McFarland continued to demonstrate his abilities as a reliable outfielder and a competent hitter. His performance contributed to the team's efforts, although the White Sox did not secure a championship during his tenure.
In 1903, McFarland's major league career concluded with a brief stint with the St. Louis Browns, another American League team. This final season saw him participating in fewer games, indicating a winding down of his professional playing days.
Throughout his MLB career, Herm McFarland was known for his hitting prowess and his defensive capabilities in the outfield. He compiled a career batting average of .274, with 16 home runs and 303 runs batted in (RBIs) over the course of 690 games. Additionally, McFarland demonstrated speed and agility on the bases, amassing 133 stolen bases.
McFarland's career post-MLB involved playing for minor league teams, a common path for many players of his era as they transitioned out of the major leagues. His contributions to the teams he played for, both in the major and minor leagues, were characterized by his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
Herm McFarland passed away on March 18, 1935, in San Francisco, California. His career in professional baseball, spanning the transition from the 19th to the 20th century, left a legacy of versatility and skill that contributed to the early development of the game in America.
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