SAD NEWS: New York Yankees Legend Peterson Dead at 82.

Pitching for the New York Yankees for the majority of his 11-year career, Fritz Peterson passed away at the age of 82.

Pitching for the Yankees (1966–1974), Cleveland (1974–76), and the Texas Rangers (1976), Peterson finished his career with a record of 133–131, a 3.30 ERA, and 1,015 strikeouts.

However, it was his March 1973 trade with colleague Mike Kekich that caused national attention.

Kekich and Peterson decided to switch spouses and kids. Since 1969, the families have been buddies. Although Kekick and Marilyn Peterson’s new romance didn’t continue long, Peterson was married to Susanne Kekick (Peterson) until his passing.

Later, Peterson stated, “It’s a love story.” Not anything filthy was there.

He had previously fought prostate cancer, and in 2018, he told the New York Post that he was battling Alzheimer’s disease. However, the cause of his death was not disclosed.

Chicago native Peterson attended Northern Illinois for his undergraduate career before signing as an undrafted free agent in 1963 with the Yankees. Three seasons later, the left-hander made his Major League debut.

He was a thrower for the Yankees at a period when they were not consistently winning World Series, but they were still able to go 109-106 and win five games or more. His lone All-Star season came in 1970, when he won a career-high 20 games.

After three starts, the Yankees traded him to Cleveland in 1974. In 1975, he had his final successful season with Cleveland, finishing 14–8. He was traded to the Texas Rangers in 1976 after going 0-3 in nine games, where he finished his career with a 1-0 record in four appearances (two starts).

He wrote three books in retirement, one of which was about his Yankees career.

A statement was issued by the Yankees upon Peterson’s demise.

“The Yankees are extremely sorry to hear about Fritz Peterson’s loss. During his nine years in pinstripes, he was a formidable pitcher and a kind individual. At the top of the Yankees’ rotation, Peterson and veteran teammate Mel Stottlemyre formed a potent one-two punch. Popular with both teammates and coaches, Peterson was a well-known practical joker. His curious and gregarious demeanor frequently brought humor to the clubhouse while concealing his exceptional skills on the mound, particularly his flawless control, which was among the best in the Majors. The Yankees will miss Peterson a lot, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Susanne and the whole Peterson family.