Padres’ Former Catcher With Unique Dodgers History, ‘Field Of Dreams’ Role Dies
Forbes Business
by Peter Chawaga, ContributorFebruary 26, 2026
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The San Diego Padres mourned the passing of former catcher Chris Krug, who passed away at 86. Known for his brief but impactful career, Krug played for the Chicago Cubs and the expansion San Diego Padres in 1969. His most memorable moment came during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he faced Sandy Koufax in a historic perfect game. Despite his limited major league time, Krug left an indelible mark on baseball history.
Krug's career was defined by his defensive prowess as a catcher. He spent parts of two seasons with the Cubs and one season with the Padres, retiring with a .192 batting average, five home runs, and 25 RBIs in just 79 games. His role in Koufax's perfect game, though controversial, remains a key moment in baseball lore. After his playing days, Krug transitioned into coaching and later founded Athletic Turfs, Inc., which specialized in creating sports fields.
Beyond his playing career, Krug contributed to the iconic 1989 film "Field of Dreams." His company installed the turf at Dyersville, Iowa, where
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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/26/2026