Former New York Yankees pitcher Fritz Peterson passed away at the age of 82. Peterson played nine seasons with the team from 1966 to 1974 and also had stints with the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers. He achieved a 20-win season in 1970 and was named to the American League All-Star team. Known for his exceptional control as a pitcher, Peterson had a career walk rate of 1.7 per nine innings and led the AL in walks per nine for a five-season stretch from 1968 to 1972. In total, he compiled a 3.30 ERA and a record of 133-131 over more than 2200 innings.
However, Peterson is most remembered for a controversial incident that occurred during spring training in 1973. He and teammate Mike Kekich revealed that they had traded families and homes, with Kekich’s wife and daughters moving in with Peterson while Peterson’s wife and sons lived with Kekich. This unconventional arrangement grabbed headlines and caused a stir in the media. Despite the upheaval, Peterson and Susanne Kekich eventually got married, while Mike Kekich and Marilyn Peterson’s relationship ended shortly after the wife swap was made public. In 1974, Kekich was traded to Cleveland, marking the end of the unique family swap situation.
In addition to his baseball career and personal life, Peterson’s story also drew interest from Hollywood. In 2010, actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon planned to turn the wife swap saga into a feature film with director Jay Roach attached to the project. However, the film’s development faced delays and challenges, including opposition from Kekich who threatened to sue if it moved forward. Ultimately, the movie did not materialize as scheduling conflicts prevented Affleck and Damon from participating. Despite the film project not coming to fruition, Peterson’s unusual life story continues to captivate audiences and stands as a memorable chapter in baseball history.
The New York Yankees paid tribute to Peterson upon his passing, describing him as a formidable pitcher with a cheerful and sociable personality. Known as a prankster with a light-hearted nature, Peterson brought a sense of camaraderie to the Yankees’ clubhouse, balancing his on-field talent with an outgoing demeanor. His impeccable control on the mound was recognized as one of his greatest strengths, contributing to his success as a pitcher at the Major League level. The team expressed their deep sadness at the loss of Peterson and acknowledged his impact on the organization during his time with the Yankees.
In reflection of Fritz Peterson’s career, his contributions to the sport of baseball and his unique personal story leave a lasting legacy. From his achievements on the field to the unconventional family swap that garnered widespread attention, Peterson’s presence extended beyond the realm of sports. While he may be best known for the controversial episode involving him and Mike Kekich, Peterson’s talent as a pitcher and his affable nature endeared him to teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His passing marks the end of a chapter in Yankees history, but his memory lives on as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the enduring spirit of the game. Fritz Peterson’s legacy will continue to be remembered and celebrated by those who knew him and by baseball enthusiasts who appreciate his unique place in the sport’s history.
