Cerv signed with the New York Yankees in 1950 and was a little-used reserve outfielder on the Yankee teams of the early 1950s. Cerv played for the Yankees from 1951 through 1956, again in 1960, and lastly from 1961 through 1962. He also played for the Kansas City Athletics (1957-1960), Los Angeles Angels (1961), and the Houston Colt .45s (1962).