Fritz Peterson, a former pitcher for the New York Yankees, passed away at the age of 82. Peterson was involved in one of the most bizarre trades in baseball history when he exchanged wives and children with his teammate, Mike Kekich. The families began hanging out in 1972 and the teammates started to develop feelings for each other’s wives. Eventually, they decided to officially swap families in 1973. Peterson remained with his new wife for the rest of his life, while Kekich’s relationship with the former Mrs. Peterson did not last.
After the swap, Kekich was traded to Cleveland while Peterson was also sent there the following year, although Kekich played in Japan during that season. Peterson spent 11 seasons in the major leagues, with nine of them being with the Yankees. Despite being best known for the wife swap, Peterson was actually a top-notch starting pitcher during his time with the team. He led the American League in walks per nine innings from 1968 to 1972 and had the best WHIP and K/BB in 1969 and 1970. He retired with a career record of 133-131 and a 3.30 ERA after a brief stint with the Texas Rangers in 1976.
Peterson’s baseball career was overshadowed by the infamous wife swapping incident, which became a topic of fascination for baseball fans. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, adding to the challenges he faced later in life. Despite the unconventional trade and personal challenges, Peterson’s legacy as a pitcher remains impressive, with his statistics placing him among the top in the league during his peak years. His story continues to be remembered as one of the most unusual and controversial episodes in baseball history.
The wife swapping incident between Peterson and Kekich occurred during a time when personal relationships and scandals involving athletes were not as widely publicized as they are today. The story captured the attention of the public and added a layer of intrigue to Peterson’s baseball career. Peterson and Kekich’s decision to swap families was unconventional and ultimately had different outcomes for each of them, with Peterson finding lasting love while Kekich’s relationship did not work out. The incident highlighted the complexities of personal relationships and the unique pressures that professional athletes face in their personal lives.
While the wife swapping incident may have overshadowed Peterson’s achievements as a pitcher, his career statistics paint a picture of a successful and talented player. Peterson’s consistency and performance on the field earned him recognition as a top pitcher in the league during his prime years. His ability to lead the American League in key statistical categories demonstrates his skill and competitiveness on the mound. Despite the unconventional circumstances surrounding his personal life, Peterson’s impact on the Yankees and his contributions to the sport of baseball are an important part of his legacy.
In conclusion, Fritz Peterson’s legacy as a pitcher is a mix of on-field success and off-field controversy. The wife swapping incident with his teammate Mike Kekich remains one of the most bizarre and memorable trades in baseball history. Peterson’s career achievements and statistical accomplishments solidify his place as a top pitcher in the league during his time with the Yankees. While his personal life may have been the subject of tabloid headlines, Peterson’s impact on the game of baseball should not be overlooked. His passing marks the end of a chapter in baseball history that will continue to be remembered and debated by fans and historians alike.
