A former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman is suing the Cincinnati Reds over an injury at the ballpark he says ended his professional career.
While chasing a foul ball during a June 2023 game at Great American Ball Park, Darin Ruf injured himself on a tarp roller used to cover the infield during bad weather, according to a May 22 lawsuit filed in Hamilton County (Ohio) Common Pleas.
He fractured his kneecap and deeply lacerated his right knee, causing him to leave the game and be placed on the 60-day injured list, according to CBS Sports.
Ruf says the tarp roller had no protective cushioning or cap over the end of the roller, which was made of sharp metal. He also says he couldn’t see the exposed metal because a Gorilla Glue advertisement was covering it, according to the lawsuit.
“This didn’t need to happen. I wish it didn’t happen.” said Ruf in a news release. “Players shouldn’t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a Major League field.”
A Cincinnati Reds spokesman did not immediately return The Enquirer’s request for comment.
Who is Darin Ruf?
Darin Ruf was a utility player in MLB for nine seasons, having stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers. He also spent three years playing professionally in South Korea.
For his MLB career, Ruf registered a .239 batting average to go along with 67 home runs and 205 RBI. He also recorded an on-base percentage of .329.
He was 36 years old when he suffered the knee injury at Great American Ball Park in 2023.
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