Latest news with #GreatAmericanBallPark
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ex-MLB Player Ruf Sues Reds Over Knee Injury From Tarp Collision
Former MLB first baseman and outfielder Darin Ruf, who played nine big-league seasons between 2012 and 2023, sued the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, claiming the team is negligent under Ohio law for his bloody collision with a tarp roller two years ago at Great American Ball Park. Ruf was playing first base for the Milwaukee Brewers against the Reds on June 2, 2023, when in the bottom of the third inning, he collided with a tarp roller while chasing a ball into foul territory and left the game injured. Ruf, now 38, hasn't played in any games since. Advertisement More from In a complaint filed by attorneys Tad Thomas and Christopher W. Goode in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas, Ruf contends the tarp roller was a dangerous and hidden condition that imperiled players' safety. The tarp roller, Ruf points out, was made of sharp metal and lacked any protective cushioning or cap. Ruf says the end of the roller wasn't visible because it was 'obscured from view by an advertisement cover for Gorilla Glue.' Ruf blames the Reds grounds crew for failing to maintain safe conditions and allowing 'a state of disrepair.' Players suing over injuries caused or worsened by field conditions are rare but not unprecedented. Advertisement In 2018, a St. Louis jury awarded Reggie Bush $12.5 million in damages for an ACL tear he sustained after slipping on an uncovered concrete surface in the Edward Jones Dome during a game in 2015. The surface bordered the playing field, and Bush was running at full speed and couldn't stop. The jury concluded the condition was unsafe and that Bush's injury was caused by the negligence of the Los Angeles Rams, who were the St. Louis Rams when Bush was hurt. The Reds did not respond to a request for comment, but their attorneys will answer Ruf's complaint in the weeks ahead. Expect the team to offer several defenses. One likely defense is preemption, which is a major reason why pro athletes in leagues with collective bargaining agreements typically don't sue over injuries. Section 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA)—a federal law that regulates the relationship between unionized workers and management—contains language that preempts state law claims when those claims are based on rights contained in a CBA. MLB's CBA with the MLBPA features language regarding player injuries. Article XIII is particularly relevant. It governs safety and health and details a joint MLB-MLBPA advisory committee charged with addressing 'emergency safety and health problems as they arise.' The committee also 'attempts to find solutions' that ensure 'safe and healthful working conditions for players.' The Reds will likely argue the duty to maintain safe field conditions is a collectively bargained term and thus LMRA preempted. Advertisement That type of legal argument doesn't always work. In 2018, a federal judge in Illinois rejected it when raised by the Chicago White Sox and other parties were sued by former New York Yankees outfielder Dustin Fowler. In 2017, Fowler made his MLB debut in a game at Guaranteed Rate Field (now called Rate Field) in Chicago. In the first inning he chased down a line drive and ran full speed into an unpadded metal electrical box positioned between a railing and a half wall. The collision caused the patella tendon in Fowler's knee to rupture. He sued and a judge rejected the preemption defense on grounds that the CBA didn't diminish the White Sox's duty of care, including when the subject of state law claims. According to court records, the parties reached a settlement in 2022. Fowler recovered from the injury and was notably involved in a blockbuster 2017 midseason trade that sent him to the Oakland A's as part of the deal that netted the Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray. But the outfielder, once the No. 88 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America, never managed to deliver upon his promise in an MLB career that petered out in 2021. The Reds could also argue that even if Ruf's claims aren't preempted, the field conditions were sufficiently safe. The Reds would strengthen that defense if they could show the tarp roller was placed in a manner consistent with industry standards in MLB. In other words, the more ordinary the condition of the roller, the better for the Reds. But if tarp rollers are supposed to have cushioning or caps when used on MLB fields, that could be a problem for the Reds. Expert testimony by former groundskeepers and others with relevant expertise could prove influential. Advertisement Assumption of risk is also a relevant legal concept. Athletes assume all sorts of health risks by playing a sport. MLB teams place tarps and players, especially ones with as much experience as Ruf, arguably should be aware of tarp-related hazards. Ruf's complaint anticipates this defense by depicting the tarp roller as hidden and unexpected. The Reds also don't own Great American Ball Park. It is a public facility of Hamilton County, Ohio. Public entities have an added legal defense known as sovereign immunity, which generally permits the government to be sued only when it agrees to be sued. However, there are a bevy of exceptions to sovereign immunity, and sometimes they involve personal injury claims. Also, even if the Reds don't own the field, they operate it for Reds games. Ruf v. Reds could settle at any time, but if it advances past a motion to dismiss, the parties will need to provide testimony and share evidence related to the incident. The extent to which the tarp roller was unusually dangerous and the extent to which a veteran like Ruf should have been on the lookout would be key topics in pretrial discovery. Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott guide Reds to win against division-leading Cubs
The Cincinnati Reds needed big performances from star players against the division-leading Chicago Cubs, and they got them. Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz drove in four runs and Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott was at his efficient, effective best in a 6-4 Reds win Saturday at Great American Ball Park before a crowd of 40,409. Advertisement The win for the Reds (25-26) halted a three-game losing skid to NL Central foes, and marked a strong response less than 24 hours after surrendering a four-run lead in an eventual lopsided series-opening loss to Chicago (31-21) on Friday. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) runs the bases after hitting a homer in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Downtown Cincinnati. Some might say it's too early to emphasize the standings, especially for a Reds team that's been around .500 for more of 2025. But Cincinnati's current stretch of 12 of 15 games against NL Central opposition, including six games against the front-running Cubs, could be pivotal to setting Cincinnati up for possible contention later this summer. Saturday's win moved the Reds to a 2-2 record in the 15-game stretch, which also includes a road series against the Kansas City Royals next week. Advertisement Just as they did Friday night, the Reds jumped on Chicago in the first inning on Saturday. De La Cruz took Cubs starter Colin Rea to the right field bleacher for a two-run home run to open the scoring. The homer was De La Cruz's ninth of 2025. In the third inning, the Cubs got on the scoreboard via Justin Turner's solo home run to left-center field. That would prove to be the only real blemish on Abbott's day as he went 5 2/3 innings and allowed just the one run. He also scattered five other hits, struck out two and walked two on 83 pitches. Abbott (4-0) lowered his ERA to 1.77. Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Great American Ball Park in Downtown Cincinnati. The Reds fired back at Chicago in the bottom of the third inning. Will Benson drove a ball to the right-center field wall, falling just short of what would have been a three-run homer. Still, the ball carried far enough to drive in Gavin Lux via sacrifice fly. That put the Reds up, 3-1. Advertisement Cincinnati tacked on in the fifth inning. De La Cruz drove in two more runs on a single, and later scored himself on Spencer Steer's two-out RBI single. De La Cruz finished his day at the plate 2-for-3, with the four RBI, two runs and a walk. The Cubs chipped away, tacking on one run apiece in the seventh and eighth innings against Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan, Friday's losing pitcher. Unlike on Friday, the Reds bullpen held its mettle, and Emilio Pagán's save marked his 13th of 2025. Pagán saw his way to closing out the contest after he allowed some traffic, including a leadoff home run by Carson Kelly that cut the lead to 6-4 and a one-out double by highly-regarded prospect, Matt Shaw. Advertisement As of Saturday evening, Pagán remained third in the NL in saves behind Washington's Kyle Finnegan (15) and San Diego's Robert Suarez (16). This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott lead Reds to win vs. division-leading Cubs
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Cincinnati Reds sued by former MLB star Darin Ruf over career-ending injury: 'This didn't need to happen'
Former MLB star Darin Ruf has filed a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds over a career-ending knee injury he suffered at the Great American Ball Park. Ruf damaged his knee crashing into a tarp roller near first base during a game for the Milwaukee Brewers in June 2023. He was initially placed on the 60-day injured list but has not played an MLB game since. On Thursday, Ruf filed a lawsuit in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas. It charges the Reds with negligence in failing to maintain safe field conditions, specifically citing the presence of the unpadded metal tarp roller. 'This didn't need to happen,' Ruf said in a statement. 'I wish it didn´t happen. Players shouldn´t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a major league field.' Ruf was playing first base for Milwaukee when he was injured during the third inning of the Brewers´ 5-4, 11-inning victory over the Reds on June 2, 2023. In the third inning, Ruf was chasing a foul pop when his knee hit the end of the tarp roller. Former Milwaukee Brewers player Darin Ruf is suing the Cincinnati Reds, claiming "unsafe field conditions" at Great American Ball Park caused a career-ending leg injury on this play in 2023. Lawsuit seeks damages for negligence. — Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) May 22, 2025 According to the complaint, Ruf suffered 'permanent and substantial deformities to his knee.' It says the end of the tarp roller was made of sharp metal and had no protective cushioning or cap. 'This was an obvious and avoidable risk,' Ruf's attorney, Tad Thomas, said. There are basic safety protocols every MLB team should follow. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the edge of the field is inexcusable.' Ruf, 38, began his nine-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, playing five seasons before moving on to the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. He joined the Brewers in May 2023, playing in 11 games before the knee injury. In 581 games, Ruf hit .239 with 67 homers and 205 RBIs.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-MLB player Darin Ruf sues Reds, claims their uncovered tarp caused his career-ending injury
Former MLB player Darin Ruf is suing the the Cincinnati Reds over a tarp he claims caused his career-ending injury two years ago, according to the Associated Press. The lawsuit was reportedly filed Thursday in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas. It reportedly accuses the Reds of negligence for failing to maintain safe field conditions, specifically noting the risks presented by an unpadded metal tarp roller at Great American Ball Park. Ruf encountered that tarp while playing first base for the Milwaukee Brewers on June 2, 2023. He tracked a foul ball toward the first-base stands and hit the tarp hard, leaving him with a deep laceration in his right knee and a non-displaced patella fracture. His lawsuit reportedly describes the damage as 'permanent and substantial deformities to his knee.' Darin Ruf is suing the Reds for damages after he suffered a career-ending injury crashing into an uncovered tarp roller at Great American Ball Park.(🎥: @CBoxMedia2024) — Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) May 23, 2025 Ruf attempted to return later that season, hitting .120 in seven games on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Nashville Sounds, but never played in another MLB game. He did not sign with a team after becoming a free agent that winter. He now blames the Reds for leaving a large metal object in the field of play, via the AP: 'This didn't need to happen,' Ruf said in a statement. 'I wish it didn't happen. Players shouldn't have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a major league field.' His lawyer said the same: 'This was an obvious and avoidable risk,' Tad Thomas, Ruf's attorney, said in a release announcing the lawsuit. 'There are basic safety protocols every MLB team should follow. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the edge of the field is inexcusable.' Ruf played a total of nine seasons in his MLB career. He began his career mostly as a bench bat at the corners for the Philadelphia Phillies before moving to South Korea's KBO and finding immense success with the Samsung Lions. That success continued upon Ruf's return to MLB, as he enjoyed the two best seasons of his career with the San Francisco Giants in 2021 and 2022. He was one of many over-performing bats that powered the Giants to a 107-win season that unseated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Ruf struggled after that, in stints with the Giants, Brewers and New York Mets across 2022 and 2023. It was unclear how much further he could have gone while hitting .224 in his age-36 season, but no player wants to end his career like he did.
Reuters
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Ex-major-leaguer Darin Ruf sues Reds for career-ending injury
May 23 - Nearly two years after his final game, former major leaguer Darin Ruf filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the Cincinnati Reds for an injury at Great American Ball Park that he claims ended his career. According to the lawsuit filed in Hamilton County (Ohio) Common Pleas, Ruf injured himself on a tarp during a game on June, 2, 2023, in Cincinnati while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers. In that game, while playing first base, Ruf chased a Luke Maile foul ball down the right field line and hit the edge of a rolled tarp, forcing him to leave the game. Per CBS Sports, he suffered a fractured kneecap and a knee laceration and was placed on the 60-day injured list. According to the lawsuit, the injury prevented him from resuming his career. "This didn't need to happen. I wish it didn't happen," Ruf said in a release. "Players shouldn't have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a Major League field." The lawsuit claims the tarp, which is made of metal, had no cushion or cap to provide protection and states that the Reds are liable for the grounds crew's negligence. "This was an obvious and avoidable risk," Tad Thomas, Ruf's attorney, said in the release. "There are basic safety protocols every MLB team should follow. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the edge of the field is inexcusable." Ruf, 38, began his nine-year career with the Philadelphia Phillies, playing five seasons before moving on to the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. He joined the Brewers in May 2023, playing in 11 games before the knee injury. In 581 games, Ruf hit .239 with 67 homers and 205 RBIs. --Field Level Media
