Robert Henry Cerv is a former American baseball player. Prior to his professional career, he was a standout baseball and basketball player at the University of Nebraska. Cerv signed with the New York Yankees in 1950, and was a little-used reserve outfielder on the powerful Yankee teams of the early 1950s. Following the 1956 season, he was sold to the Kansas City Athletics, where he became a regular. His best season was 1958, when he hit .305, hit 38 homers, and had 104 RBIs, was elected to the American League All-Star team, beating out Ted Williams for the starting spot. He also finished 4th in the MVP voting that year. He did all of this while playing injured part of the season. Cerv also participated in the Home Run Derby, where he defeated Frank Robinson. He followed up in 1959 with 20 homers and 87 RBIs. Some say had Cerv not played back-up to such greats as Mickey Mantle, he would have done so much more on the field. Cerv still holds Kansas City's major league record for home runs with 38. In May, 1960, Cerv was traded back to the Yankees for Andy Carey, and his playing time was reduced somewhat. 

May 5th, 1925 in Weston  /  Died:   Apr 6th, 2017 - aged 91