Who Is Fritz Peterson? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Fritz Peterson was born on February 8, 1942, in New York City, USA. He was a distinguished American baseball player, remembered for his contributions to Major League Baseball. Throughout his career, Peterson became known for his incredible pitching skills, playing primarily for the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians. Peterson's journey through the sports world has intrigued fans, and his legacy was celebrated until his passing on January 7, 2023.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1942 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 19 October, 2023 |
| Died Place | Winona, Minnesota, U.S. |
Popularity
Fritz Peterson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Fritz Peterson stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighed approximately 185 pounds (84 kg) during his playing days. His physical stature enabled him to command the mound effectively as a pitcher, contributing to his successful career in professional baseball.
After a 0–3 start with a 5.55 ERA in nine games, the Indians traded Peterson to the Texas Rangers for Stan Perzanowski and cash on May 29, 1976. He started two games for the Rangers and had a 1–0 record when a shoulder injury ended his season. The Rangers released him on February 2, 1977.
Two weeks later, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox. After his second shoulder surgery, Peterson announced his retirement from baseball on May 4, 1977.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Fritz Peterson was previously married to his spouse, who significantly supported him throughout his career. As of 2025, there is no publicly available information about any new romantic relationships or partnerships after his passing, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to family and baseball.
Peterson and fellow Yankee pitcher Mike Kekich swapped wives and children, an arrangement the pair announced at spring training in March 1973. The Peterson and Kekich families had been friends since 1969. Peterson and the former Susanne Kekich remained married, but the relationship between Kekich and Marilyn Peterson did not last very long. By June, the Yankees traded Kekich.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Fritz Peterson's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a testament to his successful MLB career and various endorsements. Throughout his time as a professional athlete, Peterson earned an average annual salary reflective of the era's standards, which contributed to his financial portfolio.
Career, Business, and Investments
Fritz Peterson debuted in Major League Baseball in the 1960s and established himself as a reliable starting pitcher. His career spanned over a decade, during which he made significant contributions to his teams. Beyond baseball, Peterson engaged in various business ventures, including coaching and mentoring young players, which has helped to foster new talent within the sport.
Peterson was a southpaw starting pitcher who enjoyed his best success in 1970 with the Yankees when he went 20–11 and pitched in the All-Star game. He was widely known for trading families with teammate Mike Kekich in the early 1970s. He had a career record of 133–131.
Peterson had the lowest ratio of base on balls per innings pitched for any left-handed pitcher to pitch in the major leagues since the 1920s.
Social Network
Fritz Peterson enjoyed a considerable presence in the baseball community and was active on social media platforms. Fans often celebrated his achievements and personal anecdotes, and tributes from former teammates and fans poured in after his passing. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to resonate through baseball communities online.
"Where the vintage pitchers like Whitey Ford, Pedro Ramos, and Bob Friend had failed, Frederick (Fritz) Peterson succeeded yesterday for the New York Yankees. In his first major league game, the 24-year-old left-hander beat the Baltimore Orioles, 3–2, and drew an accolade from his manager, Johnny Keane," the New York Times wrote of his debut.
Keane said: "Not many young pitchers have his control. That's his strength, that and his fastball."
Education
Fritz Peterson attended the University of Southern California, where he excelled in baseball before joining the majors. His time at USC not only honed his athletic skills but also laid the groundwork for his future endeavors both on and off the field.
Peterson attended Northern Illinois University. He was viewed as a promising ice hockey player and gave up playing hockey to concentrate on baseball. He played college baseball for the Northern Illinois Huskies. The New York Yankees signed Peterson in 1963 as an amateur free agent by Yankee scout Lou Maguolo.
