Brad Wolff's Interview With Rick Cerone

Rick Cerone was a New York Yankees catcher. When Thurman Munson died, Rick Cerone was his replacement. He played for 8 teams in 18 seasons and played in the 1981 World Series. He owned the Newark Bears for 5 years from 1998 to 2003. Here is our interview:

BW: What was the most difficult part of your career?

RC: F irst getting to the big leagues, then lasting 18 years.

BW: What was the best moment of your career?

RC: P laying in the World Series in 1981.

BW: Who was your idol and why?

RC: Mickey Mantle because he could do everything.

BW: What current player are you similar to and why?

RC: No one now. I was one of a kind. (laughing)

BW: What was it like owning a pro baseball team? [Newark Bears]

RC: It was lots of hard work running a team, staffing, players, and getting fans.

BW: What is different from baseball currently and when you played?

RC:  They make way more money, and seem to be enjoying it less.

BW: Did players use steroids when you were in the middle of your career?

RC: Steroids started with Jose Canseco in 1987 and I never witnessed them.