Former New York Yankees left-hander Fritz Peterson passed away at the age of 82. Peterson pitched for the Yankees from 1966 to 1974, achieving a 20-win season in 1970 and earning a spot on the American League All-Star team. He also played for Cleveland and the Texas Rangers during his career, compiling a 3.30 ERA and a 133–131 record over more than 2200 innings. Known for his exceptional control, Peterson averaged the lowest walks per nine innings in the AL for a five-season stretch from 1968 to 1972.
Peterson is perhaps best remembered for a scandal that occurred during spring training in 1973. He and teammate Mike Kekich made headlines when they revealed that they had traded families and homes. Kekich’s wife and two daughters moved in with Peterson, while Peterson’s wife and two sons went to live with Kekich. Despite the unconventional arrangement, Peterson and Susanne Kekich eventually got married in 1974 and remained together until his passing. However, Mike Kekich and Marilyn Peterson ended their relationship shortly after the swap became public, and Kekich was later traded to Cleveland.
In 2010, actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon planned to develop the wife swap story into a feature film, with director Jay Roach attached to the project. Despite Kekich’s threats of legal action, the film was in development until scheduling conflicts prevented Affleck and Damon from starring in it. Eventually, the film fell through, leaving Peterson’s infamous life swap story unadapted. The Yankees paid tribute to Peterson, describing him as a skilled pitcher with an affable presence and an outgoing personality. They noted his reputation as a prankster and his ability to bring humor to the clubhouse, despite his success on the mound.
Peterson’s pitching career was defined by his impeccable control, with a career walk rate of 1.7 per nine innings. His skill in limiting walks made him a reliable and effective pitcher during his time in the majors. Peterson’s 108-pitch performance against the Red Sox in a 1-0 victory remains a memorable moment in his career, helping the Yankees secure second place in the Eastern Division of the American League. Throughout his nine years in pinstripes, Peterson was respected by his teammates and coaches for his talent on the field and his lighthearted demeanor off the field.
The passing of Fritz Peterson marks the end of an era for the Yankees and the baseball community. His legacy as a talented pitcher with exceptional control will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike. While he may be best known for the infamous wife swap scandal with Mike Kekich, Peterson’s contributions to the game extend far beyond off-field controversies. His impact on the field and in the clubhouse will continue to be celebrated, reminding us of the complexities and unique personalities that make up the world of professional baseball.
