Cisco made his MLB debut with the Red Sox on June 11, 1961. During his time with Boston, he primarily served as a relief pitcher, though he occasionally started games. His tenure with the Red Sox was marked by a learning curve as he adjusted to the demands of the major leagues. In 1962, he appeared in 15 games, posting a 4.56 ERA, which reflected the challenges he faced in establishing himself in the big leagues.
In December 1962, the New York Mets selected Cisco in the Rule 5 draft. Joining a team that was still in its infancy, Cisco found more opportunities to pitch regularly. The Mets, known for their struggles in the early 1960s, provided Cisco with a platform to hone his skills. Over the next few seasons, he became a fixture in the Mets' pitching rotation. In 1963, he pitched in 41 games, starting 28 of them, and recorded a 7-15 win-loss record with a 4.34 ERA. Despite the team's overall performance, Cisco's perseverance on the mound was evident.
The 1964 season saw Cisco continue to be a workhorse for the Mets, appearing in 43 games and starting 29. He logged a career-high 213 innings pitched, demonstrating his durability as a pitcher. Although his record was 6-19, his 3.62 ERA was a testament to his ability to keep the Mets competitive in many games. Cisco's role with the Mets highlighted his adaptability, as he transitioned between starting and relieving as needed.
Cisco's time with the Mets came to an end in 1966 when he was traded to the Kansas City Athletics. His stint with the Athletics was brief, as he appeared in only 10 games before being released. However, his career received a second wind when he rejoined the Red Sox later that year. In his return to Boston, Cisco contributed as a reliever, adding depth to the bullpen.
The following year, Cisco found himself with the expansion San Diego Padres, who selected him in the expansion draft. His experience was valuable to the fledgling team, and he provided leadership both on and off the field. Cisco's final MLB season came in 1969 with the Padres, where he pitched in 16 games before retiring from professional baseball.
After his playing days, Cisco transitioned into coaching, where he shared his knowledge and experience with younger players. He served as a pitching coach for several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays, helping to develop the next generation of pitchers.
Throughout his career, Galen Cisco was known for his work ethic and determination.
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