He made his MLB debut on August 17, 1975, pinch hitting for first baseman Boog Powell in the top of the ninth inning in a 14–5 win over the Minnesota Twins, as he lined out.

On December 6, the Indians traded Cerone and John Lowenstein to the Toronto Blue Jays for Rico Carty.

Cerone joined the Toronto Blue Jays for their expansion season in 1977, and was the starting catcher for their first game on April 7, in which he had two hits in their 9-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

In his first playoffs, Cerone hit .333 with a home run and two RBI, however, the Yankees were swept by the Kansas City Royals in three games.

After a tough loss in Game 3 of the American League Divisional Series (ALDS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, Yankee owner George Steinbrenner accused the team of showing him up and not playing well.

[6] He split his playing time with Butch Wynegar, as he appeared in 89 games, hitting .227 with five home runs and 28 RBI, as the Yankees failed to make the playoffs.

Cerone played the 1986 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, as he and Charlie Moore shared the catching duties for the club.

In 1988, the Yankees designated Joel Skinner as their starting catcher and released Cerone on April 4, before the season, in favor of Don Slaught, who was expected to provide more offense as a backup.

[7] Not initially getting much interest from teams, Cerone was considering other jobs after his release by the Yankees, even interviewing with WABC for an advertising sales position.

On December 20, 1989, one day after being released by the Boston Red Sox, Cerone rejoined the Yankees for a third time, as he signed a two-year contract with the club as a free agent.

[8] Cerone backed up Yankees starting catcher Bob Geren, as he appeared in only 49 games, hitting .302 with two homers and 11 RBI in limited action.

On January 21, 1991, Cerone signed a contract with the New York Mets, where he split playing time with Charlie O'Brien.

On February 12, 1992, Cerone signed as a free agent with the Montreal Expos, hitting .270 with a home run and seven RBI in 33 games as backup to Gary Carter.

[16][17] The song, written by Carl Henry and Bill Hudak and recorded in Newington, Connecticut, is sung from the point of view of a Newark baseball player visiting a New York Stadium during a snowstorm.

[18] The record sleeve notes that "Rick Cerone's royalties will be donated to the Italian earthquake Victims Fund.