Former MLB pitcher Fritz Peterson, who spent the bulk of his career with the New York Yankees during the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on April 11th of complications of Alzheimer's Disease. He was 82.
Peterson, a Chicago native, was signed by the Yankees out of Northern Illinois University in 1963 and would make his big-league debut in 1966. By the time, Peterson was wearing pinstripes the glory days were over. Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford still with the team, but well past their prime.
Despite their descent into mediocrity, Peterson along with Mel Stottlemyre made a good accounting of themselves on the mound. From 1966 through 1972, Peterson reached double digits in wins every year but one. In 1970, Peterson was selected to his lone AL All-Star Team while attaining a career high 20 wins.
However, Peterson is best known for "trading" wives, children and pets with fellow Yankees pitcher Mike Kekich in 1973. This would affect his on field performance with the Yankees who would trade Peterson to the Cleveland Indians during the 1974 season in a trade which brought both first baseman Chris Chambliss and reliever Dick Tidrow to the Bronx. Peterson did regain his form on the mound with the Tribe in 1975 winning 14 games. However, Peterson would develop shoulder trouble and finished his big-league career with the Texas Rangers the following season. In 11 big league seasons, Peterson had a won loss record of 133-131 with a 3.30 ERA with 1015 strikeouts and only 426 walks in 2218.1 innings pitched. Peterson's walks to innings pitched ratio of 1.73 is the lowest among lefthanded pitchers in the past 100 years.
Yet Peterson will be forever remembered for what occurred off the field. Although it would cause him grief, he eventually came out on top. While Kekich and Marilyn Peterson did not last long, Fritz Peterson remained with Suzanne Kekich for more than 50 years until death did them part. R.I.P.
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