Former Yankees pitcher Fritz Peterson passed away at the age of 82, the team announced on Friday.
Peterson had been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
“The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Fritz Peterson, who was a formidable pitcher and an affable presence throughout his nine years in pinstripes,” the team announced in a statement. “Along with longtime teammate Honey StottlemyrePeterson was part of a devastating one-two punch at the top of the Yankees rotation.
“A well-known and beloved prankster among his teammates and coaches, Peterson had an outgoing personality and curious nature that brought joy to the clubhouse regularly and belied his prowess on the mound – most notably his impeccable control, which was among the best in the Majors.
Peterson spent nine of his 11 MLB seasons pitching for the Yankees from 1966 to 1974, earning an All-Star nod in 1970 and winning 109 games with a 3.10 ERA during his tenure in the Bronx. He also played for the then-Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers.
