Fritz Peterson Known For Wife Swap Dies At 82

Fred Ingels Peterson, born on February 8, 1942, was a prominent American professional baseball pitcher. He graced Major League Baseball (MLB) with his talent, representing teams such as the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Texas Rangers from 1966 to 1976.

Peterson, a skilled southpaw starting pitcher, reached the pinnacle of his career in 1970 with the Yankees, achieving a remarkable 20–11 record in the All-Star game. During an interview with the New York Post in April 2018, Peterson revealed that he had received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in September 2017, following his successful fight against prostate cancer. And on 11th April, Fritz Peterson has died at the age of 82.

Following the passing of Peterson on April 11, 2024, numerous fans have expressed a keen interest in understanding the circumstances surrounding his death but more than that they are interesting to know about his wife . In this article, we aim to providing insight into this aspect while also delving into various aspects of his life, such as his distinguished career.

What’s The Wildest Trade of Wife In The History of Baseball?

The 1972 Yankees Wife Swap is one of the most scandalous events in the history of baseball. The story revolves around two New York Yankees players, Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich, who announced at the start of the 1973 season that they had traded wives and families. The news shocked the world of baseball and quickly became the talk of the town.

Peterson and Kekich were friends and had played for the Yankees for several years. During the 1972 season, the two players began spending more and more time together off the field. They soon discovered that they had a lot in common, including their love for family and their
desire to do something unusual.

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Before the 1973 season commenced, the players made an unconventional decision to exchange wives and families. Peterson relocated to Kekich’s household, residing with Susanne and their two daughters, while Kekich moved in with Peterson’s wife, Marilyn, and their two sons.

Initially, they attempted to integrate the two families, but it quickly became evident that the arrangement was unsustainable. While Peterson adjusted relatively well to his new family dynamic, Kekich struggled, leading to the dissolution of the experiment. Subsequently, Kekich and Marilyn, Peterson’s former wife, parted ways shortly thereafter, coinciding with Kekich’s trade from the Yankees.

Peterson and Susanne remained married, but Kekich and Marilyn divorced shortly thereafter. Dubbed the “Yankees Wife Swap,” the scandal caused a stir in the baseball community, resulting in widespread ridicule and criticism directed at the two players.

Peterson Passes Away

Northern Illinois University, where Peterson showcased his talents before embarking on his major league journey, announced his passing according to a statement Friday by the Yankees. The cause of death was not disclosed.

In a statement, the Yankees expressed profound sorrow at the news of Fritz Peterson’s passing, acknowledging him as both a formidable pitcher and a warmly approachable figure during his nine-year tenure with the team. Alongside his enduring teammate Mel Stottlemyre, Peterson formed a formidable duo at the forefront of the Yankees’ pitching rotation.

Also, Kekich and Marilyn’s relationship was short-lived, Fritz and Susanne Peterson remained committed to each other for fifty years until his passing.

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The Yankees deeply mourn Peterson’s loss and extend their sincere condolences to his wife, Susanne, and the entire Peterson family.