Former Major League Baseball player Darin Ruf is suing the Cincinnati Reds for damages after he suffered a career-ending injury while crashing into an uncovered tarp roller at Great American Ballpark two years ago.
As reported by The Associated Press, the lawsuit filed Thursday in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas charges the Reds with negligence in failing to maintain safe field conditions and specifically cites the presence of the unpadded metal tarp roller.
Former Major League Baseball player Darin Ruf is suing the Cincinnati Reds for damages after he suffered a career-ending injury while crashing into an uncovered tarp roller at Great American Ballpark two years ago.
As reported by The Associated Press, the lawsuit filed Thursday in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas charges the Reds with negligence in failing to maintain safe field conditions and specifically cites 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 the Milwaukee Brewers on June 2, 2023, when his knee hit the end of the tarp roller while chasing a popup in foul territory.
According to the complaint, Ruf suffered “permanent and substantial deformities to his knee.” He went on the 60-day injured list and never played in the major leagues again.
Ruf’s complaint 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,” attorney Tad Thomas said in a release announcing the lawsuit, as reported by the AP. “There are basic safety protocols every MLB team should follow. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the edge of the field is inexcusable.”
The Reds had no immediate response to a message seeking comment, according to the AP.
The complaint says the Reds didn’t take reasonable precautions to keep the stadium safe and also are liable for the negligent acts of the grounds crew’s “reckless” conduct.
Ruf is seeking punitive and compensatory damages. The 38-year-old played for four MLB teams — all in the Reds' National League — from 2012 to 2023. He batted .239 with a .329 on-base percentage, 67 homers and 205 RBIs in 582 career games.
