As a devoted Washington Nationals fan, I’m well aware of how dangerous the infield rain tarp at Great American Ball Park can be for players on visiting teams. Here’s why. About three weeks ago, the Nationals were in Cincinnati for a series against the Reds. Although they won the series by taking two of three games, the Friday night opener stood out for a couple of reasons.
First, the Nationals suffered a rough 6-1 loss after a nearly two-hour rain delay. Second, their new first baseman, Nathaniel Lowe, had a frightening incident. While sprinting near the first base line, he tripped over the rain tarp placed next to the barrier between the field and the bleachers. But Lowe didn’t just stumble—he was practically launched, like a running back whose legs got taken out from under him. Thankfully, he escaped serious injury and didn’t miss any games.
That incident came back to mind when I heard about a lawsuit filed against the Reds by another opposing first baseman who wasn’t as fortunate. Former Milwaukee Brewer Darin Ruf is suing the team after a similar run-in with the tarp resulted in a devastating injury that ended his MLB career.
Ruf, who had a solid, if not superstar, career—including a stint in Korea and a return to the majors with the Giants—joined the Brewers on May 15, 2023. Less than three weeks later, on June 2, he collided with the tarp at Great American Ball Park, fracturing his kneecap and suffering a deep gash to his knee. He hasn’t played in the majors since.
In his lawsuit, Ruf alleges that the tarp’s metal roller was hidden by a Gorilla Glue ad, making it impossible to see. “This didn’t need to happen,” Ruf said in a statement. “Players shouldn’t have to deal with concealed hazards like that on a Major League field.”
Ruf is accusing the Reds of negligence for not ensuring safer field conditions. His attorney, Tad Thomas, stated: “This was a clear and preventable danger. Basic safety standards weren’t followed. Leaving exposed metal near the playing field is unacceptable.” The Cincinnati Reds have not yet commented on the lawsuit.