The New York Yankees released a statement on Friday, April 12, following news of the death of former Yankee Fritz Peterson.

 

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

 

It continued, “A known prankster and well-liked among his teammates and coaches, Peterson had an outgoing personality and inquisitive nature that brought lightheartedness to the clubhouse on a regular basis and belied his prowess on the mound — most notably his impeccable control, which was among the best in the Majors. Peterson will be greatly missed by the Yankees, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Susanne, and the entire Peterson family.”

 

According to an online memorial page, for eleven seasons (1966 to 1976), Peterson, a left-handed pitcher, played with the New York Yankees, the Cleveland Indians, and Texas Rangers. Born Fred Ingles Peterson, he attended Arlington High School in Illinois, and was signed as an amateur free agent by the New York Yankees in 1963. He attended Northern Illinois University and played two years of collegiate baseball (earning team MVP honors), prior to making his Major League debut on April 15, 1966.

 

In 1970 while with the Yankees, he produced a career-high 20 wins and achieved all star status that season. In 355 career regular season games, he compiled a 133-win, 131-loss record, with a lifetime 3.30 ERA, in 2,218 innings pitched.

 

In addition to his baseball career, Peterson made off-the-field news in his private life. In 1973, he swapped wives and families with his teammate Mike Kekich. After retiring from baseball, he worked as a boat salesman and served as a collegiate baseball coach. In addition, Peterson authored books about his time with the Yankees including about his teammate Mickey Mantle.