Former Major League Baseball player Darin Ruf has filed a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds, in which he claims that field conditions at Great American Ball Park caused him to suffer a career-ending injury.The injury happened during a June 2, 2023, game at Great American Ball Park, when Ruf was playing with the Milwaukee Brewers.During the play, Ruf chased a foul ball down the first base line and collided with a tarp roller along the side of the field.The lawsuit claims that the roller lacked protective padding and was partially blocked by an advertising cover, causing Ruf to sustain a leg injury.Ruf was placed on the 60-day injured list after the injury and has not played in an MLB game since.The lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in Hamilton County, Ohio, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.“This didn’t need to happen. I wish it didn’t happen.” said Ruf in a release sent to WLWT. “Players shouldn’t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a Major League field.” Ruf played nine seasons in MLB, including the first five of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He also played for the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets before his final stop with the Brewers.Ruf hit 67 career home runs, drove in 205 runs and had an OPS+ of 108, which is eight points above than the league average.WLWT has reached out to the Reds for comment on the lawsuit. A spokesperson with the Reds said the team was not able to comment on active litigation.
Former Major League Baseball player Darin Ruf has filed a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds, in which he claims that field conditions at Great American Ball Park caused him to suffer a career-ending injury.
The injury happened during a June 2, 2023, game at Great American Ball Park, when Ruf was playing with the Milwaukee Brewers.
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During the play, Ruf chased a foul ball down the first base line and collided with a tarp roller along the side of the field.
The lawsuit claims that the roller lacked protective padding and was partially blocked by an advertising cover, causing Ruf to sustain a leg injury.
Ruf was placed on the 60-day injured list after the injury and has not played in an MLB game since.
The lawsuit, which was filed Thursday in Hamilton County, Ohio, is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
“This didn’t need to happen. I wish it didn’t happen.” said Ruf in a release sent to WLWT. “Players shouldn’t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a Major League field.”
Ruf played nine seasons in MLB, including the first five of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. He also played for the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets before his final stop with the Brewers.
Ruf hit 67 career home runs, drove in 205 runs and had an OPS+ of 108, which is eight points above than the league average.
WLWT has reached out to the Reds for comment on the lawsuit. A spokesperson with the Reds said the team was not able to comment on active litigation.
