Fritz Peterson, a former pitcher for the New York Yankees, handed away on the age of 82. Peterson was concerned in probably the most weird trades in baseball historical past when he exchanged wives and youngsters together with his teammate, Mike Kekich. The households started hanging out in 1972 and the teammates began to develop emotions for one another’s wives. Finally, they determined to formally swap households in 1973. Peterson remained together with his new spouse for the remainder of his life, whereas Kekich’s relationship with the previous Mrs. Peterson didn’t final.
After the swap, Kekich was traded to Cleveland whereas Peterson was additionally despatched there the next yr, though Kekich performed in Japan throughout that season. Peterson spent 11 seasons within the main leagues, with 9 of them being with the Yankees. Regardless of being finest recognized for the spouse swap, Peterson was truly a top-notch beginning pitcher throughout his time with the workforce. He led the American League in walks per 9 innings from 1968 to 1972 and had the very best WHIP and Ok/BB in 1969 and 1970. He retired with a profession report of 133-131 and a 3.30 ERA after a short stint with the Texas Rangers in 1976.
Peterson’s baseball profession was overshadowed by the notorious spouse swapping incident, which grew to become a subject of fascination for baseball followers. He was recognized with Alzheimer’s in 2018, including to the challenges he confronted later in life. Regardless of the unconventional commerce and private challenges, Peterson’s legacy as a pitcher stays spectacular, together with his statistics putting him among the many high within the league throughout his peak years. His story continues to be remembered as probably the most uncommon and controversial episodes in baseball historical past.
The spouse swapping incident between Peterson and Kekich occurred throughout a time when private relationships and scandals involving athletes weren’t as extensively publicized as they’re right this moment. The story captured the eye of the general public and added a layer of intrigue to Peterson’s baseball profession. Peterson and Kekich’s determination to swap households was unconventional and in the end had completely different outcomes for every of them, with Peterson discovering lasting love whereas Kekich’s relationship didn’t work out. The incident highlighted the complexities of non-public relationships and the distinctive pressures that skilled athletes face of their private lives.
Whereas the spouse swapping incident might have overshadowed Peterson’s achievements as a pitcher, his profession statistics paint an image of a profitable and gifted participant. Peterson’s consistency and efficiency on the sector earned him recognition as a high pitcher within the league throughout his prime years. His means to steer the American League in key statistical classes demonstrates his talent and competitiveness on the mound. Regardless of the unconventional circumstances surrounding his private life, Peterson’s affect on the Yankees and his contributions to the game of baseball are an essential a part of his legacy.
In conclusion, Fritz Peterson’s legacy as a pitcher is a mixture of on-field success and off-field controversy. The spouse swapping incident together with his teammate Mike Kekich stays probably the most weird and memorable trades in baseball historical past. Peterson’s profession achievements and statistical accomplishments solidify his place as a high pitcher within the league throughout his time with the Yankees. Whereas his private life might have been the topic of tabloid headlines, Peterson’s affect on the sport of baseball shouldn’t be neglected. His passing marks the tip of a chapter in baseball historical past that may proceed to be remembered and debated by followers and historians alike.