Darin Ruf’s MLB career might be over, but the battle off the field has just begun. The former Milwaukee Brewers slugger is suing the Cincinnati Reds, claiming unsafe field conditions at Great American Ball Park, which ended his playing days in 2023.
Ruf says he suffered a fractured kneecap and severe laceration to his knee after slamming into an exposed metal tarp roller while chasing a foul ball during a June 2 game. The injury was so bad that Ruf never stepped back on a major league field again.
The lawsuit, filed in Hamilton County, Ohio, accuses the Reds of negligence and seeks damages for what Ruf calls a “career-ending hazard that never should’ve been there.”
Former Milwaukee Brewers player Darin Ruf is suing the Cincinnati Reds, claiming "unsafe field conditions" at Great American Ball Park caused a career-ending leg injury on this play in 2023. Lawsuit seeks damages for negligence.
— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) May 22, 2025
pic.twitter.com/xxFIKxoxhB
Fans Call Cap on Darin Ruf’s Lawsuit
The social media didn’t hold back. Reactions poured in, and many weren’t exactly sympathetic.
One fan wrote, “His field awareness was negligent too.”
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MLB stories via Google! Follow Us
His field awareness was negligent too
— Christian Sheehan (@CsheehanPGA) May 23, 2025
While another simply said, “No chance, buddy.”
No chance buddy.
— The Rad Dad (@radicaldadd) May 23, 2025
Others went harder, blasting the lawsuit as part of a growing trend. “Baseball players are forever looking for the easy way out,” one post read.
Baseball players are forever looking for the easy way out. Lazy, easy off-ramps, and exorbitant guaranteed paydays for minimal effort.
— David Langley (@davidglangley) May 23, 2025
“How is it any different than running into a brick wall at Wrigley Field before the ivy is grown?” one fan asked.
How is it any different than running into a brick wall at Wrigley Field before the ivy is grown?
— Marc Christopfel (@MChristopfel) May 23, 2025
“What a dipshit,” another angry X user wrote.
What a dipshit
— Gerid Goudwin (@InstaMntalMasta) May 22, 2025
One fan commented, ““Hidden hazards” every field has a tarp in the same general location and this one was neon orange.. lawsuit culture is wild…“
“Hidden hazards” every field has a tarp in the same general location and this one was neon orange.. lawsuit culture is wild…
— Charles Heward (@HewardCW) May 23, 2025
“Career WAR of 1.2 in 9 seasons. Yeah – tarp ended career,” one fan wrote sarcastically.
Career WAR of 1.2 in 9 seasons. Yeah – tarp ended career.
— Tony Clifton (@cliftonoffun) May 22, 2025
Darin Ruf enjoyed a nine-year MLB career as a power-hitting first baseman and outfielder, playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers. Over 582 games, he compiled a .239 batting average with 67 home runs and 205 RBIs.
Also Read: WATCH: Joey Bart Makes A Classic Rare Play During Pirates vs. Brewers Showdown
