Rick Cerone, a catcher known for his defensive skills and leadership on the field, played in Major League Baseball for several teams over an 18-year career. Born on May 19, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, Cerone attended Seton Hall University, where he excelled in baseball, earning All-American honors. His performance at Seton Hall caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Cleveland Indians in the first round of the 1975 amateur draft.
Cerone made his MLB debut with the Indians in 1975, but his time with the team was brief. In 1976, he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he began to establish himself as a reliable catcher. During his tenure with the Blue Jays, Cerone's defensive abilities shone, and he became known for his strong arm and ability to manage pitchers effectively.
In 1979, Cerone's career took a significant turn when he was traded to the New York Yankees. The Yankees were in need of a catcher following the tragic death of Thurman Munson, and Cerone stepped into the role admirably. The 1980 season proved to be one of his best, as he hit .277 with 14 home runs and 85 RBIs, helping the Yankees win the American League East. His performance earned him a seventh-place finish in the American League MVP voting that year.
Cerone's time with the Yankees was marked by both successes and challenges. He played with the team until 1984, during which he became a fan favorite for his gritty play and leadership. However, injuries and fluctuating performance led to his trade to the Atlanta Braves in 1984. His stint with the Braves was short-lived, and he soon found himself moving between teams, including the Milwaukee Brewers and the Boston Red Sox.
In 1987, Cerone returned to the Yankees for a brief period before joining the New York Mets in 1991. His experience and veteran presence were valued by the Mets, and he provided depth to their catching roster. Cerone's final MLB season came in 1992 with the Montreal Expos, where he played a limited role before retiring from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Cerone was known for his defensive prowess and ability to handle pitching staffs. While his offensive numbers were modest, his contributions behind the plate were highly regarded by teammates and coaches alike. After retiring, Cerone remained involved in baseball, including a stint as a broadcaster and as an owner of the Newark Bears, an independent league team.
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