An MLB legend famous for swapping wives with a teammate dies

• MLB legend Fritz Peterson dies.
• He’s remembered for a surprising wife swap with another player.
• His life could become a movie.

The baseball world is mourning the death of a legendary MLB player.

He was known, not only for his on-field prowess, but also for his extraordinary life off the field.

Fritz Peterson was notorious for swapping wives with teammate Mike Kekich.

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MLB is in mourning

Rest in Peace Fritz Peterson… pic.twitter.com/qCQ0P1srsm

—John Farrell (@JJFarrell451) April 13, 2024

Baseball legend Fritz Peterson is known for his career in the Major Leagues and his unusual wife-swapping story. He died at the age of 82.

It is worth noting that the pitcher swapped wives with his teammate Mike Kekich during his MLB career.

Northern Illinois University, where Peterson shone before his time in the Major Leagues, announced his death on Friday.

So far, details about his cause of his death have not been revealed, but messages of support for his family have appeared on social media.

Fritz Peterson and his infamous wife swap

In an interview with the New York Post in April 2018, Peterson revealed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in September 2017.

Previously, the MLB player had overcome a battle with prostate cancer.

Fritz’s unusual off-field story dates back to 1973, when Peterson and Kekich shocked the baseball world by swapping wives.

Former New York Yankees pitcher Fritz Peterson, who was an All-Star in 1970, said in an interview that the wife swap with his teammate Mike Kekich «wasn’t anything dirty.»

His life story could become a movie

The wife swap initially occurred at a party at the home of New York Post writer Maury in July 1972, according to The U.S. Sun.

Peterson and his wife Marilyn, along with Kekich and his wife Susanne were all there. Peterson later shared that over time Kekich «fell in love with my wife and I fell in love with his.»

The news shocked the baseball world, and the New York Yankees players held a separate press conference to announce the players had swapped wives, children and even dogs.

The story captured the public’s imagination so much that Hollywood duo Ben Affleck and Matt Damon expressed interest in turning it into a movie.

The Yankees bid farewell to Fritz Peterson

Statement from the New York Yankees on the passing of Fritz Peterson: pic.twitter.com/EsgDhVcEoe

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 12, 2024

During his time with the Yankees, Peterson won a total of 109 games, significantly contributing to the franchise’s success.

His passing leaves a void in the baseball community, as fans and the Yankees organization mourn the loss of a legend.

«The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fritz Peterson, who was a formidable pitcher and affable presence throughout his nine years in pinstripes,» they wrote.

«Along with longtime teammate Mel Stottlemyre, Peterson was part of a devastating one-two combination at the top of the Yankees’ rotation,» the statement concludes.