"Cerone missed more than two months with a broken left thumb. The injury occurred May 11 and he didn't return until July 15. He was expected to share catching duties with Butch Wynegar upon his return, but ended up as a regular when Wynegar got sick. Cerone caught 64 games after the All-Star break.
Born in Newark, New Jersey, Cerone attended Seton Hall, where he was a two-time All-American and also was on the fencing team. He holds a B.S. degree in education.
Rick spurned the re-entry draft to re-sign with the Yankees."
-Ken Nigro, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1983 Edition
"When Rick Cerone is the topic of conversation, you often hear mention of 'determiniation ... fierce competitor ... leader ... winner.' The Yankees recognized these attributes and were delighted when the 28-year-old catcher signed a multi-year contract that would keep the 'Italian Stallion' in the Pinstripes that he has worn proudly for the Yankees over the last three seasons.
A genuine fan favorite, Rick is rebounding from a relatively disappointing season. Although the last 13 games of the season saw Cerone bat .319 with two homers and eight RBI, for the second consecutive season he was plagued by the injury bug. On May 11, Rick suffered a broken left thumb that left him on the sidelines for two months, forcing him to miss a total of 53 games.
The Yankees are looking to turn things around in 1983 and Rick Cerone is no exception. A Newark, New Jersey native and Seton Hall University graduate, Cerone has the confidence he will return to the form he displayed in 1980 when he won the hearts of Yankee fans everywhere with his timely hitting and solid defense ... and equally important, Cerone has the confidence that 1983 will find the Yankees in the fall classic. What could be more enjoyable than to hear the strains of Oui Marie echoing throughout Yankee Stadium in October?"
-The New York Yankees Official 1983 Yearbook
"For a second consecutive season, Cerone suffered a major injury. He broke his left thumb on a tag play at home plate in California on May 11 and spent two months on the disabled list, missing 53 games. His production at the plate was off because of the injury, but he finally put it together as the season ended, batting .319 (15-for-47) with two home runs and eight RBI in his last 13 games.
Called up to the majors on August 15, 1975 after just 46 games in the minors, Rick's first big league hit came off Paul Splittorff on August 22. In 1976, he was the International League All-Star catcher. Rick was the Blue Jays' Opening Day catcher in 1977, but broke his thumb five days into the season. He worked himself back into shape at Charleston and celebrated his return to the big leagues with a home run off Nellie Briles. Rick ended Mitchell Page's consecutive base stealing streak at 26, and in 1978 ended Ron LeFlore's streak at 27. In 1979 he was voted the most improved player by the Toronto BBWAA.
In 1980 Rick responded to a pressure-filled first Yankee season by being named to the UPI and Sporting News AL All-Star teams, and finished seventh in the AL MVP voting. On May 26 he drove in six runs, including his first career grand slam. All six RBIs came after the man in front of him was intentionally walked. Rick's 1981 production was off slightly from the 1980 season because of a broken right thumb causing him to miss 32 games, yet he topped the Yankees with five RBIs in the Division Series against Milwaukee.
A local product, he grew up in Newark and had an outstanding career at Seton Hall, where he was a two-time All-American. He played in the College World Series in 1974 and 1975 and hit .410 his senior year ('75) with school records of 15 homers, 64 RBIs and 125 total bases. Rick had a .362 career batting average at Seton Hall, made Academic All-American in '75 and was also on the fencing team. He holds a B.S. in physical education.
Rick played baseball, football and fenced at Essex Catholic High. As a quarterback he threw 13 touchdown passes for a 6-0-2 team.
He enjoys golf, racquetball and photography. Rick was nicknamed the 'Italian Stallion' by broadcaster Phil Rizzuto."
-1983 New York Yankees Information Guide
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