Athlete. A big-time talent from a small town in Saunders County, he graduated from Weston High School in 1942. Star of his basketball team (Class C state runner-up, 1941), he was named all-state in both 1941 and 1942. Following service in World War II, he did well in two sports at the University of Nebraska. He played on the last NU basketball team to win their conference championship, both 1949 and 1950. At the same time. Bob Cerv, matured as a baseball player under the guidance of Coach Tony Sharpe, becoming an All-American college slugger. This versatile athlete played a dozen years in the major leagues, with his best year as a home run hitter in 1958, hitting 38 that season while with the Kansas City Athletics.
He had a lifetime batting average of .276 with 105 home runs. His best year produced 38 home runs at Kansas City. Was understudy to Mickey Mantle while playing for the Yankees and roomed with Mantle and Roger Maris.
His major league stats can be found here: http://www.thebaseballpage.com/players/stats/cervbo01
