Fritz Peterson, one half of the New York Yankees’ most bizarre trade ever, has passed away at the age of 82. In 1972, Peterson and his teammate Mike Kekich exchanged wives and children after falling in love with each other’s wives. The families initially bonded while spending time together at a baseball writer’s house, leading to the unconventional decision to swap partners. Peterson remained with his new wife for the rest of his life, but Kekich and Peterson’s former wife did not stay together for long.
Despite the unusual circumstance surrounding Peterson’s personal life, he was a talented starting pitcher during his time with the Yankees. From 1968 to 1972, Peterson led the American League in walks per nine innings multiple times and had impressive statistical performances in other categories as well. He had a solid 3.30 career ERA and retired from baseball after a brief stint with the Texas Rangers in 1976. In his final years, Peterson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018.
Following the wife-swapping scandal, Kekich was eventually traded to Cleveland, while Peterson also ended up with the Indians the following year. Kekich even played in Japan for a season before retiring from professional baseball. Despite the fallout from the unconventional trade, Peterson reflected on the situation with a sense of regret, expressing disappointment that Kekich’s relationship with his former wife did not work out as they had hoped. The story of the wife swap continued to be a curious footnote in Peterson’s career for the rest of his life.
Peterson’s legacy as a skilled left-handed pitcher was somewhat overshadowed by the sensational nature of the wife swap, but his accomplishments on the field should not be overlooked. During his time with the Yankees, he showcased strong pitching abilities and consistently performed well in various statistical categories. While the wife swap remains one of the most intriguing stories in baseball history, Peterson’s skills as a pitcher earned him respect among fans and peers alike.
In the wake of Peterson’s passing, fans and the baseball community have reflected on his career and the bizarre episode that defined his personal life. Despite the controversy surrounding the wife swap, many remember Peterson as a talented pitcher for the New York Yankees and appreciate his contributions to the sport. His unique story serves as a reminder of the unexpected twists and turns that can occur in the world of professional sports, making him a memorable figure in baseball history. As fans mourn his loss, they also celebrate his legacy and the impact he had on the game.
