Darin Ruf sues Reds after injury ends career

In Cincinnati, Darin Ruf, a former major league player, filed a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas following a career-ending injury that occurred two years prior. The incident took place at Great American Ballpark while Ruf was chasing a foul pop-up during a game. His knee collided with an uncovered and unpadded metal tarp roller, which left him with significant and permanent injuries, and ultimately led to his placement on the 60-day injured list. He never returned to play in the major leagues thereafter. The complaint cites negligence on the part of the Reds for not maintaining safe field conditions. It points out that the tarp roller was not adequately protected, posing an obvious risk to players. Additional statements from Ruf and his attorney, Tad Thomas, highlight the seriousness of this issue, stating that left unpadded, the metal roller is an inexcusable hazard in a professional sports environment. Ruf expressed his frustration over the lack of attention to player safety, emphasizing that such hidden dangers should not exist on a major league field. During his career, which spanned from 2012 to 2023, Ruf played for several teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and the Milwaukee Brewers. He accumulated a batting average of .239, along with 67 home runs and 205 RBIs across 582 games. The incident at Great American Ballpark marked a tragic conclusion to his baseball journey. Ruf's determination to hold the Reds accountable comes from his experience of suffering severe knee injuries, including a previous incident in 2017 where he had a similar injury due to an electrical box while playing. Ruf is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages as the lawsuit alleges that the Reds failed to take reasonable precautions in securing the field and are responsible for the actions of their grounds crew. The outcome of this case could not only affect Ruf’s financial future but also set a precedent regarding player safety protocols within Major League Baseball. As the negligence claim proceeds, it draws attention to the critical need for adherence to safety regulations and standard practices that protect athletes from preventable injuries on the field.