In 1968, Kekich was traded to the New York Yankees, a move that would bring him more visibility. During his time with the Yankees, Kekich was primarily used as a starting pitcher. His tenure with the team was marked by a mix of performances, with some games showcasing his potential and others highlighting the challenges he faced on the mound. Despite the ups and downs, Kekich became a familiar name to Yankees fans during his time in New York.
Kekich's career took another turn in 1973 when he was traded to the Cleveland Indians. His stint with the Indians was relatively short, and he continued to face challenges in maintaining consistency in his performances. Later that year, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he finished the season. The following year, Kekich found himself with the Seattle Mariners, but his time there was brief.
Throughout his career, Kekich was known for his left-handed pitching, which was a valuable asset in a league dominated by right-handed pitchers. However, his career was also marked by a high number of walks and a struggle to maintain control on the mound, which often led to fluctuating results in his games.
Off the field, Kekich is perhaps best remembered for a personal decision that garnered significant media attention. In 1973, he and fellow Yankees pitcher Fritz Peterson made headlines when they announced that they had traded families, including wives and children. This unusual arrangement was the subject of much public scrutiny and remains a notable aspect of Kekich's life story.
After leaving Major League Baseball, Kekich continued to play in various minor leagues and international teams, including a stint in Japan with the Nippon Professional Baseball league. His career in professional baseball concluded in the late 1970s, after which he largely stepped away from the public eye.
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