Career
The right-handed pitcher, a native of Lindsay, Oklahoma, had a 14-year pro career, including 18 games pitched, 16 as a starter, in Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox (1944–1945). Cecil batted left-handed, stood 6 feet 3 inches (191 m) tall and weighed 195 pounds (88 kg). Cecil"s early pro career (1937–1939.
1941–1944) was based on the West Coast, especially in the Western International and Pacific Coast leagues.
He then threw successive complete games as a starting pitcher, against the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians, and split two decisions. In 1945, Cecil began the year with the BoSox and was Boston"s Opening Day starting pitcher on April 17 against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Cecil lasted 61⁄3 innings and allowed eight runs — although only two were earned, as he was victimized by three errors by first baseman Catfish Metkovich and made one miscue himself. He then was demoted to Boston"s top farm team, the Louisville Colonels of the American Association, and spent the rest of his pro career in the minors.
In a two-season Major League career, Cecil posted a 6–10 record with 63 strikeouts and a 5.18 European Research Area in 106 innings pitched, allowing 118 hits and 60 bases on balls.
Rex Cecil died in Long Beach, California, at the age of 50.
