Darin Ruf, a former major league baseball player, is taking legal action against the Cincinnati Reds after suffering a serious injury at Great American Ballpark. The injury occurred two years ago when Ruf crashed into an uncovered tarp roller while playing first base for the Milwaukee Brewers.
The lawsuit was filed in Hamilton County, Ohio, and accuses the Reds of negligence for not maintaining safe playing conditions. Specifically, it highlights the dangerous presence of an unpadded metal tarp roller on the field. Ruf expressed his frustration, stating, “This didn’t need to happen. Players shouldn’t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a major league field.”
The incident took place during a game on June 2, 2023, when Ruf was chasing a foul ball. He collided with the end of the tarp roller, resulting in severe knee injuries. According to court documents, Ruf sustained “permanent and substantial deformities” to his knee, leading to a stint on the 60-day injured list. Unfortunately, he never returned to major league baseball after that.
Ruf’s attorney, Tad Thomas, emphasized that the lack of safety measures was a clear oversight. He noted that every MLB team should follow basic safety protocols, and leaving an unprotected metal roller on the field is unacceptable. Ruf is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages, claiming that the Reds failed to take reasonable precautions and are responsible for the actions of their grounds crew.
At 38 years old, Ruf has had a varied career in the majors, playing from 2012 to 2023 with teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and the Brewers. Over his career, he batted .239 with 67 home runs and 205 RBIs in 582 games.
As of now, the Reds have not commented on the lawsuit. This case raises important questions about player safety and the responsibilities of teams to ensure that their fields are free from hidden dangers.