Perkins batted and threw right-handed, stood 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and weighed 158 pounds (72 kg).

Perkins served as a catcher with the Philadelphia Athletics (1915, 1917–30), New York Yankees (1931) and Detroit Tigers (1934).

After that Perkins served as a backup, being hailed as the man who taught Cochrane to catch without injuring his hands.

Following his playing career, Perkins coached for 17 years in the Major Leagues with the Yankees (1932–33), Tigers (1934–39) and Philadelphia Phillies (1946–54).

Cy Perkins died in Philadelphia at the age of 67, and was interred in Oak Grove Cemetery in his native Gloucester.