New York Yankees Legend Peterson Dead at 82
The life of Fritz Peterson was unique in New York Yankees history, as his solid record on the mound was overshadowed by one unique decision off the field.
Fritz Peterson, who pitched most of his 11-year career with the New York Yankees has died at 82.
Peterson had a career record of 133-131 with a 3.30 ERA and 1,015 strikeouts as he pitched for the Yankees (1966-74), Cleveland (1974-76) and the Texas Rangers (1976).
But it was his trade with a teammate, Mike Kekich, in March of 1973 that raised eyebrows across the country.
Peterson and Kekich agreed to swap wives and children. The families had been friends since 1969. While the new relationship between Kekick and Marilyn Peterson didn’t last long, Peterson remained married to Susanne Kekick (Peterson) until he died.
Peterson later said “It’s a love story. It wasn’t anything dirty.”
A cause of death was not announced, but he previously battled prostate cancer and told the New York Post in 2018 that he was battling Alzheimer’s Disease.
Peterson, a Chicago native, played college baseball at Northern Illinois and signed with the Yankees as an undrafted free agent in 1963. The left-handed made his Major League debut three seasons later.
He threw for the Yankees during a stretch of time in which they were not winning World Series on a regular basis but managed to go 109-106 and win at least a dozen games five times. His 1970 season was his only All-Star season, as he won a career-high 20 games.
The Yankees traded him to Cleveland in 1974 after he made three starts. With Cleveland he had one last good season in 1975, going 14-8. In 1976, after going 0-3 in nine starts, he was dealt to the Texas Rangers, where he went 1-0 in four appearances (two starts) to end his career.
In retirement, he authored three books, including one about his time with the Yankees.
The Yankees released a statement after Peterson’s passing.
“The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fritz Peterson, who was a formidable pitcher and affable presence throughout his nine years in pinstripes. Along with longtime teammate Mel Stottlemyre, Peterson was part of a devastating one-two combination at the top of the Yankees’ rotation. A known prankster and well-liked among his teammates and coaches, Peterson had an outgoing personality and inquisitive nature that brought lightheartendness to the clubhouse on a regular basis and belied his prowess on the mound — most notably his impeccable control, which was among the best in the Majors. Peterson will be greatly missed by the Yankees, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Susanne, and the entire Peterson family.”
