A standout left-handed pitcher for Washington University in St. Louis and the St. Louis County League for L & P Sales, Herzing was drafted four times by Major League Baseball teams. In 1964, the Cincinnati Reds drafted him, in 1966, the New York Mets drafted him, the following year, the Detroit Tigers drafted him, and in 1969, the St. Louis Cardinals drafted him. He didn’t sign with any of those teams.

At Washington University, Herzing pitched four seasons, setting school records for career strikeouts and best single-season earned run average. He ranks second in career ERA at the school. In 1969, John was named his team’s MVP and was a College Athletic Conference All-Star in 1965, 1968 and 1969. He was inducted into the Washington University Hall of Fame in 1999.

Herzing pitched for Bayless High School in the early 1960s and is in the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

He played semi-pro ball for L&P Sales from 1965 to 1967 and again in 1969. Herzing made the all-star team every year. In 1967, he led L&P Sales to a 15-0 victory over the Colt 45s, striking out 20 batters and allowing six hits.

In 1968, He played semi-pro ball in Mexico, Missouri and was selected to the All-State team by the National Baseball Congress. He played semi-pro ball in Dallas in 1970.

John pitched for the Southwest Kiwanis from 1955-60, and Waterson Boys Club in 1961. He was selected to the Khoury League All-Star Team each year.