Fritz Peterson, a former New York Yankees pitcher, passed away at the age of 82. He spent nine seasons with the Yankees from 1966 to 1974, achieving a 20-win season in 1970 and earning an All-Star team spot. Peterson also played for the Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers, finishing his career with a 3.30 ERA and a 133-131 record. One of Peterson’s standout qualities was his exceptional control on the mound, with a career walk rate of 1.7 per nine innings.
While Peterson was known for his skills as a pitcher, he gained notoriety for a different reason in 1973. During spring training that year, he and teammate Mike Kekich shocked the baseball world by announcing that they had traded families and homes. Kekich’s wife and daughters moved in with Peterson, while Peterson’s wife and sons lived with Kekich. This unconventional arrangement led to both couples ultimately breaking up, with Peterson and Susanne Kekich eventually marrying in 1974. The trade between the two players led to Kekich being traded to the Cleveland Indians later that season.
The unique story of the wife swap between Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich gained public attention, with actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon planning to develop it into a feature film. Director Jay Roach was slated to work on the project, but as of 2015, the film had not materialized. Kekich threatened legal action if the film proceeded, but once scheduling conflicts prevented Affleck and Damon from starring in the film, the project appeared to have been abandoned.
The New York Yankees expressed their sadness over the passing of Fritz Peterson, describing him as a formidable pitcher and a beloved figure in the team’s history. Peterson was known for his prankster personality and his ability to bring lightheartedness to the clubhouse, despite his impressive skills on the mound. His impeccable control and inquisitive nature endeared him to teammates and coaches alike, making him a memorable presence during his time with the Yankees.
In memory of Fritz Peterson, fans and former teammates fondly remember his contributions to the New York Yankees and his unique impact on baseball history. Peterson’s legacy extends beyond his pitching abilities, as his unconventional personal life captured the attention of the public and the entertainment industry. Despite the controversy surrounding the wife swap with Mike Kekich, Peterson’s lasting impact on the game and his ability to bring joy and camaraderie to those around him will be remembered by all who knew him.
