Hurd's pro career lasted for 14 seasons (1946–49; 1951–60). It began as a shortstop in the Chicago White Sox' system, where he converted to pitching in 1948, and ended in the St. Louis Cardinals' organization. His tenure with the Red Sox began in July 1954 when, at age 30, he was purchased from the ChiSox' Charleston SenatorsTriple-A affiliate. He appeared in 16 games for Boston in his rookie season, then spent both 1955 and 1956 on the Red Sox' roster, working in 43 and 40 games. In 1956, Hurd's earned run average ballooned from 3.01 to 5.33. He would spend the rest of his pitching career in the minor league.