Former New York Yankees left-hander Fritz Peterson has passed away at the age of 82, the team announced on Friday. Peterson, who pitched for the Yankees from 1966 to 1974, left a lasting impact on the team and the baseball community as a whole.

During his nine seasons with the Yankees, Peterson showcased his talent on the mound, earning an All-Star selection in 1970. That same year, he achieved a remarkable accomplishment, notching a 20-win season for the team. Peterson's control as a pitcher was his greatest strength, boasting a career walk rate of 1.7 per nine innings. From 1968 to 1972, he had the lowest walks per nine average in the American League.

However, Peterson was also known for a highly publicized incident during spring training in 1973. Alongside teammate Mike Kekich, he shocked the baseball world by revealing that they had traded families and homes. Kekich's wife and two daughters moved in with Peterson, while Peterson's wife and two sons lived with Kekich. The swap, which they referred to as a "life swap," garnered significant media attention and controversy at the time.

Despite the controversy surrounding the family swap, Peterson and Susanne Kekich went on to get married in 1974 and remained together until his passing. On the other hand, Mike Kekich's relationship with Marilyn Peterson ended shortly after the trade became public. Kekich was eventually traded to Cleveland later that season.

The story of the family swap caught the attention of Hollywood, with actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon planning to develop it into a feature film in 2010. Jay Roach was hired as the director for the project, but it ultimately fell through due to scheduling conflicts. Kekich even threatened to sue if the film proceeded.

The New York Yankees expressed their grief over Peterson's passing, describing him as a formidable pitcher and beloved presence during his time with the team. Known for his outgoing personality and pranks, Peterson brought lightheartedness to the clubhouse while demonstrating his exceptional control on the mound.

As the baseball community mourns the loss of Fritz Peterson, his legacy as both a skilled pitcher and a unique figure in the sport will undoubtedly endure.