 After spending time in various levels of the minor leagues, Salerno joined the American League staff in September 1961 at the age of 30.Salerno was the third base umpire when Roger Maris hit his record-breaking 61st home run in Yankee Stadium.On September 16, 1968, Salerno received a call from American League president Joe Cronin, informing Salerno that he and crewmate Bill Valentine were being fired, effective immediately.