Press Box Chronicles

MLB Wife Swap: The INSANE story of how two New York Yankees players traded lives, wives and kids

Jan 12, 2026
Dive into the wild story of two New York Yankees pitchers who traded not just jerseys, but their entire lives, including wives and kids! Discover how this shocking decision unfolded in 1973, complete with press conferences and memorable quotes. Hear about the friendship behind the swap, and how it affected their careers—one fell from grace, while the other thrived. Explore the aftermath of this insane trade and its long-term consequences, all in a tale that seems too bizarre to be true!
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ANECDOTE

Players Swap Entire Families

  • In 1973 Yankees pitchers Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich literally swapped wives, children, pets and houses.
  • The two families lived together after a July 1972 agreement before the public announcement at spring training.
ANECDOTE

Pressers Expose Emotional Split

  • Spring training press conferences revealed divergent reactions: Fritz gushed about love while Mike expressed misery and confusion.
  • Their public statements deepened clubhouse gossip and media attention on the bizarre exchange.
INSIGHT

Off-Field Chaos Harms Team Performance

  • The swap devastated clubhouse morale and directly affected on-field performance for those involved.
  • Teams struggle when players' off-field chaos becomes a persistent distraction, especially with neighboring lockers.
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