Saturday, December 19, 2009

#62 - Fritz Peterson

Card fact: This is the first example of what I would call a "classic 1970s card." In other words, the player features the typical wild hair of the day, is looking off into the distance, and is airbrushed into his new team cap and uniform. That is a 1970s trifecta right there.

What I thought about this card then: Did not see it. I'm sure if I did, I would wonder why Snidely Whiplash had received a baseball card.

What I think about this card now: It just disturbs me. Peterson seems almost sinister, like someone you wouldn't trust and would be wary around. I don't know why I feel that way. But I think I can blame most of it on his mustache.

Other stuff: Where to begin? How about where everyone else does? Just about everyone knows Fritz Peterson as the guy who swapped wives (and kids and dogs) with his good friend and teammate Mike Kekich. But there is so much more.

Peterson was roommates with Ball Four author Jim Bouton, and was a noted prankster. He was booed at nearly every stadium after news of his wife swapping became public. He remains married to the former Mrs. Kekich. Later in life, he became a hockey radio announcer, a salesman, a casino dealer and an author. He has written a new book. He is an evangelical Christian and is battling prostate cancer.

Back facts: Funny. He's left-handed. He certainly did a good job of keeping the stereotype alive.

Other blog stuff: Continuing the scanning watch: 537 cards scanned, 123 to go.

2 comments:

Matt Runyon said...

When we were kids we didn't know about the wife swapping thing. To us he was just another guy with a funny name.

Play at the Plate said...

Ok...no joke, the first thing I thought of when I saw the card was Snidely Whiplash and how it looks like he might be standing over Penelope Pitstop as she is tied to the train tracks. Funny.