35 Facts About Mike Kekich Fritz Peterson

Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson: The Unusual Trade

Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson were two Major League Baseball pitchers who made headlines not just for their performance on the field, but for an unusual off-field event. Their story is one of the most bizarre in sports history.

1. In 1973, Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson, both pitchers for the New York Yankees, made headlines by swapping families. This included their wives, children, and even dogs.

2. The swap was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It began in the summer of 1972 when the two families started spending a lot of time together.

3. Both players announced the swap during spring training in March 1973. The news shocked the sports world and beyond.

4. The swap was initially meant to be a temporary arrangement. However, it became permanent when Peterson and Kekich's wife, Susanne, fell in love.

5. Fritz Peterson and Susanne Kekich eventually got married and remained together, while Mike Kekich and Marilyn Peterson's relationship did not last.

Career Highlights of Mike Kekich

Mike Kekich had a notable career in Major League Baseball, even though it is often overshadowed by the family swap incident.

6. Mike Kekich made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1965.

7. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 1969, where he played until 1973.

8. Kekich had a career record of 39 wins and 51 losses.

9. His best season was in 1971 when he had a 10-9 record with a 4.31 ERA.

10. After leaving the Yankees, Kekich played for the Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers before retiring in 1977.

Career Highlights of Fritz Peterson

Fritz Peterson also had an impressive career in Major League Baseball, marked by several achievements.

11. Fritz Peterson made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 1966.

12. He was known for his control and had a career ERA of 3.30.

13. Peterson's best season was in 1970 when he had a 20-11 record with a 2.90 ERA.

14. He was an All-Star in 1970, representing the Yankees.

15. Peterson finished his career with the Cleveland Indians and the Texas Rangers, retiring in 1976.

Personal Lives and Aftermath

The family swap had lasting effects on the personal lives of both players.

16. Mike Kekich moved to New Mexico after his baseball career ended and kept a low profile.

17. Fritz Peterson wrote a book about his life and the swap titled "Mickey Mantle Is Going to Heaven."

18. Peterson and Susanne Kekich remained married and had four children together.

19. The swap was the subject of a planned movie titled "The Trade," which was to star Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, but the project was shelved.

20. Both players have expressed regret over the public nature of the swap and its impact on their families.

Impact on Baseball and Popular Culture

The Kekich-Peterson swap left a lasting mark on baseball and popular culture.

21. The swap is often cited as one of the most bizarre events in sports history.

22. It has been referenced in various TV shows, movies, and books over the years.

23. The incident highlighted the personal lives of athletes, which were not as scrutinized at the time.

24. It also brought attention to the pressures and challenges faced by professional athletes off the field.

25. The swap remains a topic of fascination and curiosity among baseball fans and historians.

Lesser-Known Facts

There are several lesser-known facts about Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson that add more depth to their story.

26. Both players were left-handed pitchers, which is relatively rare in baseball.

27. Kekich once pitched a complete game shutout against the Boston Red Sox in 1971.

28. Peterson was known for his excellent fielding and won a Gold Glove award in 1972.

29. The swap was initially kept secret from the Yankees' management and teammates.

30. Both players faced significant media scrutiny and public backlash after the swap was announced.

Legacy and Reflection

The legacy of Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson is a mix of their baseball achievements and the infamous family swap.

31. Despite the controversy, both players are remembered for their contributions to the Yankees.

32. The swap has been the subject of numerous articles, documentaries, and discussions over the years.

33. It serves as a reminder of the human side of athletes and the complexities of their personal lives.

34. The story of Kekich and Peterson continues to intrigue and captivate sports fans and historians.

35. Their tale is a unique chapter in the history of Major League Baseball, blending sports, personal drama, and cultural impact.

The Unforgettable Trade

Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson's trade remains one of the most bizarre moments in baseball history. Their decision to swap families shocked fans and teammates alike, leaving a lasting impact on their careers and personal lives. This unusual event highlighted the unpredictable nature of sports and the human stories behind the athletes.

Despite the controversy, both players continued their professional journeys, though their careers never quite reached the same heights. The swap serves as a reminder that athletes are people with complex lives off the field. It also underscores how personal choices can ripple through public and professional spheres.

This story of Kekich and Peterson is a fascinating chapter in baseball lore, blending sports with human drama. It’s a tale that will be remembered for its uniqueness and the way it challenged conventional norms.