NEW YORK — A New York Yankees fan has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the team, alleging she suffered serious injuries after being struck by a bat that flew into the stands during a game at Yankee Stadium, according to court documents and reports on the filing.
The lawsuit was filed by Stephanie Duluc, 37, who alleges that she was injured on June 2 while seated in the fourth row behind home plate during a Yankees game against the Cleveland Guardians. According to the complaint, Guardians infielder José Ramírez lost control of his bat during a swing, sending it into the seating area where Duluc was located.
Duluc’s lawsuit claims the protective netting in the area where she was seated was inadequate and left an opening that allowed the bat to reach fans. The complaint alleges she suffered a traumatic brain injury, concussion-related symptoms, neck and hand injuries, and ongoing cognitive issues that have affected her ability to work.
The lawsuit seeks $10 million in damages and names the Yankees as defendants. The team has not publicly commented on the case, according to reports.
The incident has renewed attention on safety measures at Major League Baseball stadiums, where teams have expanded protective netting in recent years to reduce the risk from foul balls and broken or thrown bats entering spectator areas. Liability claims involving injuries at baseball games often involve the so-called “Baseball Rule,” a legal doctrine that generally limits team responsibility when reasonable protective measures are provided.
Duluc’s legal filing argues that the section behind home plate requires heightened protection because of the risk posed by high-speed objects leaving the field. Her attorney has said that Duluc continues to experience symptoms despite appearing publicly after the incident.
The Yankees have not been found liable, and the allegations in the lawsuit have not been tested in court. The case remains pending, with further proceedings expected as the parties address the claims and defenses.
