While that may have sounded like a back-handed compliment, it nevertheless encapsulated how valuable he was to the cause of New Zealand softball. With Herlihy on or sharing the pitching mound, New Zealand had this record at world championships:
- 1966, Mexico City (third)
- 1968, Oklahoma City (fifth)
- 1972, Manila (third)
- 1976, Lower Hutt (first equal)
- 1980, Tacoma (fourth)
- 1984, Michigan (first).
During a period playing in the United States, he was twice a member of national champion teams, was twice named most valuable pitcher and was named in five All-American teams.
He was Player of the Year in New Zealand three times and helped pitch teams to national titles on six occasions.