Bob Cerv, a professional baseball player, spent much of his career as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. Born on May 5, 1925, in Weston, Nebraska, Cerv's journey to the major leagues began after he served in the United States Navy during World War II. Following his military service, he attended the University of Nebraska, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball, earning All-American honors in the former.

Cerv's professional baseball career commenced when he signed with the New York Yankees in 1950. He made his major league debut with the Yankees in 1951, a team that was already stacked with talent, including the legendary Joe DiMaggio and a young Mickey Mantle. As a result, Cerv found it challenging to secure a regular spot in the Yankees' outfield. Despite this, he contributed to the team's success, serving as a reliable backup and pinch hitter. During his time with the Yankees, Cerv was part of five World Series championship teams, although his role was often limited due to the depth of the roster.

In 1956, Cerv was traded to the Kansas City Athletics, a move that provided him with the opportunity to play more regularly. It was with the Athletics that Cerv truly showcased his abilities as a power hitter. His best season came in 1958 when he hit 38 home runs, drove in 104 runs, and maintained a batting average of .305. This outstanding performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team and placed him fourth in the MVP voting that year.

Cerv's tenure with the Athletics was marked by his impressive offensive output, but he also faced challenges, including injuries that occasionally sidelined him. Despite these setbacks, he remained a valuable player for the team, known for his strong work ethic and ability to deliver in clutch situations.

In 1960, Cerv was traded back to the Yankees, where he once again found himself in a supporting role. The following year, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the expansion draft, but his time with the Angels was short-lived. He was soon traded to the Houston Colt .45s, another expansion team, before returning to the Yankees for a final stint in 1962.

Cerv retired from professional baseball after the 1962 season. Over the course of his career, he played in 829 games, hit 105 home runs, and maintained a batting average of .276. While he may not have been a household name like some of his contemporaries, Cerv's contributions to the teams he played for were valued by teammates and fans alike.

After retiring from baseball, Cerv returned to Nebraska, where he worked as a teacher and coach.

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