Former Yankees pitcher Fritz Peterson - who famously swapped WIVES with a teammate - dies aged 82

Former New York Yankees pitcher Fritz Peterson, who famously swapped wives and families with a teammate, has died at the age of 82.

The 1970 All-Star and Mike Kekich flipped their lives away from the ball park upside down when they traded romantic partners. 

The trade happened in 1973, almost 12 months after Peterson and his wife Marilyn attended a party with Kekich and his wife, Susanne.

'We did that and we had so much fun together, Susanne and I and Mike and Marilyn, that we decided, "Hey, this is fun, let's do it again",' he told the Palm Beach Post in 2013.

'We did it the next night. We went out to the Steak and Ale in Fort Lee. Mike and Marilyn left early and Susanne and I stayed and had a few drinks and ate.

'It was just really fun being able to talk to somebody. All of us felt the same way. We went on from there and eventually he fell in love with my wife and I fell in love with his.'

They even held a press conference to announce they had swapped wives, children and even pets.

A statement from the Yankees read: '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. 

'Along with longtime teammate Mel Stottlemyre, Peterson was part of a devastating one-two combination at the top of the Yankees' rotation.

'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.'

More to follow.