The baseball world mourns the loss of Chris Krug, a former San Diego Padres catcher with a unique connection to the Los Angeles Dodgers and a memorable role in the iconic film, 'Field of Dreams'.
Krug's career may have been brief, spanning just two seasons with the Chicago Cubs and one with the Padres, but his impact was significant. As a highly regarded defensive catcher, he retired with a .192 batting average, five home runs, and 25 RBIs in 79 games. However, it was his role in a historic moment at Dodger Stadium that has left a lasting impression on baseball fans.
On September 9, 1965, Sandy Koufax became the first left-handed pitcher in modern history to throw a perfect game. In the bottom of the fifth inning, with the score still 0-0, Koufax was locked in a duel with Cubs left-hander Bob Hendley. After a walk and a sacrifice, Dodgers outfielder Lou Johnson stole third base and slid hard into Cubs third baseman Ron Santo. Krug's throw to first base sailed into left field, allowing Johnson to score the only run in the game, and Koufax and the Dodgers secured a 1-0 victory.
Despite acknowledging that he shouldn't have attempted the throw, Krug was also the first batter to face Koufax in the top of the ninth inning. He worked a seven-pitch at-bat before striking out. This moment, however, was not the end of Krug's connection to baseball history.
After his playing and coaching careers, Krug founded Athletic Turfs, Inc., which played a key role in the production of the 1989 film 'Field of Dreams'. His company installed the turf in Dyersville, Iowa, where the movie was filmed, adding another layer of significance to his legacy. Krug's contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on baseball history, and his passing is a reminder of the rich tapestry of stories that make the game so captivating.
