SAD NEWS : New York Yankees left-hander, who famously traded wives with a teammate has died.

Former New York Yankees left-hander Fritz Peterson, who famously traded wives with a teammate, has died. He was 82. Northern Illinois University, where Peterson starred before his major league career, announced his death Friday. No cause was revealed. In an interview with the New York Post in April 2018, Peterson said he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in September 2017. He previously underwent treatment for prostate cancer. On Friday, the Yankees remembered Peterson, the durable lefty who tossed 52 complete games in a four-year span from 1969 to 1972.

“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,” the organization’s statement read. “With longtime teammate Mel Stottlemyre, Peterson formed a devastating one-two punch at the top of the Yankees’ rotation.

“A known prankster and well-liked by his teammates and coaches, Peterson had an outgoing personality and inquisitive nature that brought lightheartedness to the clubhouse on a regular basis while belying 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.”

Peterson had an 11-year career with the Yankees and was a regular in the rotation. Overall, he was 133-131 with a 3.30 ERA and 90 complete games in 355 career appearances including 330 starts with the New York Mets (1966-74), Cleveland (1974-76), and the Texas Rangers.

While the 1970 All-Star and 20-game winner was traded twice during his career, it was the trade he picked that defined his baseball career.

In a startling statement during spring training in 1973, Peterson and Yankees teammate Mike Kekich exchanged wives.

Susanne Kekich later married Peterson in 1974, and they remained together until his death. Mike Kekich and Marilyn Peterson’s relationship did not work out.

Mike Kekich once stated that there was an agreement to cancel the whole affair if anyone was dissatisfied. But by that time, his ex-wife and Peterson “had gone off with each other.”

Peterson was recognized into the Northern Illinois Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987. The school retired his jersey in 2018.