Former New York Yankees and Cleveland pitcher Fritz Peterson, renowned for his unconventional wife and family swap with teammate Mike Kekich in March 1973, passed away at the age of 82, as announced by the Yankees. Peterson, an 11-year veteran in Major League Baseball (MLB), also had stints with Cleveland from 1974 to 1976.
The Yankees expressed their sadness at Peterson’s passing, highlighting his skill as a pitcher and his amiable demeanor during his time with the team. Known for his humor and camaraderie, Peterson brought a light-hearted atmosphere to the clubhouse while also showcasing his pitching prowess, especially his exceptional control on the mound. The Yankees extended their condolences to Peterson’s wife, Susanne, and their family.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Peterson played in MLB from 1966 to 1976, spending most of his career with the Yankees. His notable moment came in 1973 when he and Kekich made headlines by announcing their family swap during spring training. Peterson remained married to Susanne until his passing, while Kekich’s marriage to Marilyn Peterson was short-lived.
After his time with the Yankees, Peterson was traded to the Cleveland Indians in 1974 as part of a multi-player deal. He later played for the Texas Rangers before retiring from MLB. Throughout his career, Peterson achieved a 133-131 record, a 3.30 ERA, and led the league in walks per nine innings pitched for several consecutive seasons.
