Take Me Out to the Courthouse · Extra Innings · Seventh-Inning Stretch · Doubleheader
Case library
Every case in Sober As A Judge is a real U.S. court case. Here are the facts as the court had them, the issue, and the citation. The verdict stays in the game: read the brief, call it with your friends, and drink if you get it wrong.
This shelf holds the baseball dockets: 153 real cases in four series, Take Me Out to the Courthouse, Extra Innings, Seventh-Inning Stretch and Doubleheader, for lawyers (and everyone else) who live for the game.
Foul Territory · 15 cases
Hot dogs, foul balls, mascots and a parking-lot beating: fifteen real fights over who answers when the game comes into the stands. Extended Session.
The Flying FrankfurterCoomer v. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp. · 2015 · Negligence and battery - fan hit in the eye by a hot dog tossed by the team mascot (suit against the club)
The Base Coach AmbushPeople v. William Ligue Jr. · 2003 · Aggravated battery (two counts) - running onto the field and attacking a visiting team's coach
Behind the Short FenceAkins v. Glens Falls City School District · 1981 · Negligence - inadequate screening at a ballfield (suit against the school district that owned the field)
The Dinosaur's TailLowe v. California League of Professional Baseball · 1997 · Negligence - mascot distracted a fan who was then hit by a foul ball (suit against the club and league)
Fifty Cents and No NetCrane v. Kansas City Baseball & Exhibition Co. · 1913 · Negligence - foul-ball injury to a fan in an unscreened seat (suit against the club)
Who Was Watching the LotStow v. Los Angeles Dodgers · 2014 · Negligent security - fan beaten in the stadium parking lot (suit against the club and its then-owner)
Eyes on the ChickenHarting v. Dayton Dragons Professional Baseball Club, L.L.C. · 2007 · Negligence - fan hit by a foul ball while watching a hired costumed entertainer (suit against the club)
The Hole in the ScreenEdling v. Kansas City Baseball & Exhibition Co. · 1914 · Negligence - foul ball came through a hole in a worn protective screen (suit against the club)
A Ball in the Beer GardenTurner v. Mandalay Sports Entertainment, LLC · 2008 · Negligence - fan hit by a foul ball in a beer garden concession area (suit against the stadium operator)
The Ump Who Wrestled BackPeople v. Eric Dybas · 2003 · Aggravated battery (and criminal trespass) - rushing the field and tackling an umpire
One Section Past the NetSouth Shore Baseball, LLC v. DeJesus · 2014 · Negligence and premises liability - fan blinded in one eye by a foul ball just past the netting (suit against the club)
Through the Concourse WindowJones v. Three Rivers Management Corp. · 1978 · Negligence - fan hit by a batting-practice ball in an interior concourse (suit against the stadium operator)
Ten Minutes in the Box SeatsCosta v. Boston Red Sox Baseball Club · 2004 · Negligence / failure to warn - foul-ball injury in an unscreened box seat (suit against the club)
The Eye in the Club SectionRountree v. Boise Baseball, LLC · 2013 · Negligence - fan lost an eye to a foul ball in an unnetted club dining area (club sought dismissal under the baseball rule)
The Rooftop BlockadeRight Field Rooftops, LLC v. Chicago Cubs Baseball Club, LLC · 2017 · Attempted monopolization and breach of a license agreement - blocking rooftop views of the ballpark (suit against the club)
Players in the Dock · 9 cases
A hacked scouting database, a gambling interpreter, tax cheats and a Brooklyn brawl: big-leaguers and baseball men in the criminal courts. Regular Session.
The Password Left BehindUnited States v. Christopher Correa · 2016 · Unauthorized access of a protected computer (five counts) — breaking into a rival club's scouting database
Yellow Light, Red LightState of Florida v. James Leyritz · 2010 · DUI manslaughter (felony) over a fatal intersection crash
Lost in TranslationUnited States v. Ippei Mizuhara · 2025 · Bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return — draining a star player's bank account
The Bonus That Wasn'tUnited States v. George M. Steinbrenner III · 1974 · Illegal corporate contributions to a presidential campaign, plus related charges of misleading investigators
Under the GrandstandPeople v. Durocher · 1946 · Assault on a heckling fan (manager and a ballpark special policeman tried together)
The Glove in the GarageUnited States v. Lenny Dykstra · 2012 · Bankruptcy fraud, concealment of assets and money laundering
Only From BaseballUnited States v. Yasiel Puig Valdés · 2026 · Obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators about an illegal gambling business
The Locker Room InterviewUnited States v. Miguel Tejada · 2009 · Misdemeanor of withholding information from (misleading) congressional investigators
Cash at the Card ShowUnited States v. Darryl Strawberry · 1995 · Federal income tax evasion on unreported cash from autographs and memorabilia
The Reserve Clause · 10 cases
Jumped contracts, free agency and baseball's strange antitrust exemption: ten courtroom fights over who owns a ballplayer and a ball club. Regular Session.
The Shortstop Who Walked OutMetropolitan Exhibition Co. v. Ward · 1890 · Injunction to stop a player from playing for another club, enforcing the reserve clause (suit against the player)
The Second Baseman Next DoorPhiladelphia Ball Club v. Lajoie · 1902 · Injunction barring a player from playing for a rival club during his contract term (suit against the player)
The First Baseman Who JumpedAmerican League Baseball Club of Chicago v. Chase · 1914 · Injunction to stop a player from jumping to a rival league (suit against the player)
The League That FoldedFederal Baseball Club of Baltimore v. National League · 1922 · Sherman Act conspiracy to monopolize baseball by destroying a rival league (suit against the established leagues)
The Strike That Wouldn't EndSilverman v. Major League Baseball Player Relations Committee · 1995 · Unfair labor practice: owners' unilateral changes to free agency and salary arbitration (injunction sought against the owners' bargaining committee)
The Center Fielder Who Said NoFlood v. Kuhn · 1972 · Antitrust challenge to the reserve clause (suit against the commissioner and the leagues)
The Year Without a SignatureKansas City Royals Baseball Corp. v. Major League Baseball Players Ass'n · 1976 · Suit to overturn an arbitration award that made two pitchers free agents (suit against the players' union)
The Team That Didn't MoveButterworth v. National League of Professional Baseball Clubs · 1994 · State attorney general's antitrust investigative demands against the league over a blocked franchise sale (league resisting the demands)
The Letter Nobody BelievedMajor League Baseball Players Ass'n v. Garvey · 2001 · Bid to vacate an arbitrator's denial of a collusion damages claim (challenge to the union-administered arbitration award)
The Stadium UltimatumMinnesota Twins Partnership v. State ex rel. Hatch · 1999 · State attorney general's antitrust investigative demands against the club and league over a threatened sale and move (club resisting the demands)
The Commissioner's Office · 5 cases
Owners and leagues take the commissioner to court over 'the best interests of baseball.' Short Session.
The Shuffled OutfielderMilwaukee American Ass'n v. Landis · 1931 · Suit to enjoin the commissioner's order freeing a player and voiding his transfers (claim that the commissioner exceeded his powers)
The Map RedrawnChicago National League Ball Club, Inc. v. Vincent · 1992 · Suit to block the commissioner's order moving the club to another division (claim that he exceeded his authority)
The Fire Sale VetoCharles O. Finley & Co. v. Kuhn · 1978 · Challenge to the commissioner's veto of player sales as 'not in the best interests of baseball' (suit against the commissioner)
Loose Lips at the PartyAtlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc. v. Kuhn · 1977 · Challenge to the commissioner's one-year suspension of a club owner for tampering (suit against the commissioner)
The Umpires Who OrganizedSalerno v. American League of Professional Baseball Clubs · 1970 · Sherman Act claim over the firing of two umpires (suit against the league and the commissioner)
Who Owns the Game? · 5 cases
Fantasy stats, parody cards, a Brooklyn bar and 'Who's on First?': who owns baseball's names, numbers and stories. Short Session.
The Old-Timers' ComplaintGionfriddo v. Major League Baseball · 2001 · Misappropriation of name and likeness (suit against Major League Baseball)
The Fantasy League FightC.B.C. Distribution & Marketing, Inc. v. Major League Baseball Advanced Media, L.P. · 2007 · Declaratory suit that a fantasy company may use player names and stats without a license (claim against baseball's internet arm)
The Bar That Kept the NameMajor League Baseball Properties, Inc. v. Sed Non Olet Denarius, Ltd. · 1993 · Trademark infringement and unfair competition over a team name (suit against a sports bar)
The Joke CardsCardtoons, L.C. v. Major League Baseball Players Ass'n · 1996 · Declaratory suit that parody trading cards do not violate players' publicity rights (claim against the players' union)
Who Owns the Routine?TCA Television Corp. v. McCollum · 2016 · Copyright infringement for using a classic baseball comedy routine in a play (suit against the play's producers)
Extra Innings · Beanballs & Bleachers · 15 cases
Foul balls, a flying chair, a muddy outfield and a bat carried to the mound: fifteen real cases about who pays when baseball hurts someone. Extended Session.
Thirst on the MezzanineMaisonave v. Newark Bears Professional Baseball Club, Inc. · 2005 · Negligence - fan struck in the eye by a foul ball while buying a drink at a concourse vending cart (suit against the ballclub and stadium parties)
Her First Afternoon at the ParkSchentzel v. Philadelphia National League Club · 1953 · Negligence - woman struck in the head by a foul ball while seated in the stands (suit against the ballclub)
Bullpen Versus the BleachersManning v. Grimsley · 1981 · Battery - visiting relief pitcher threw a hard ball toward heckling bleacher fans and hit a spectator (suit against the pitcher and his club)
A Souvenir Gone AstrayLoughran v. The Phillies · 2005 · Negligence - fan hit in the face by a ball an outfielder tossed into the stands after the third out (suit against the club and the player)
A Chair Over the RailPeople v. Frank Francisco · 2005 · Misdemeanor assault - relief pitcher threw a folding chair from the bullpen into the stands, breaking a fan's nose
Season Seats, First InningNeinstein v. Los Angeles Dodgers, Inc. · 1986 · Negligence - longtime fan struck by a foul ball in an unscreened seat near first base (suit against the club)
Twenty-Three Hundred Safe SeatsRudnick v. Golden West Broadcasters · 1984 · Negligence - fan unfamiliar with baseball struck by a foul ball in an unscreened section (suit against the club's owner)
Mud in Center FieldMaddox v. City of New York · 1985 · Negligence - pro outfielder's career-ending knee injury after slipping on a wet, muddy outfield (suit against the City that owned the stadium and others)
The Bat That Left the BoxNathans v. Offerman · 2014 · Civil assault and battery - catcher injured when a hit-by-pitch batter charged the mound swinging his bat (suit against the batter)
When the Net Came DownJasper v. Chicago National League Ball Club, Inc. · 1999 · Negligence / constitutional challenge - fan struck by a foul ball after the club removed netting to build skyboxes (suit against the club)
Faster Than the FastballSanchez v. Hillerich & Bradsby Co. · 2002 · Products liability / negligent design - college pitcher struck in the head by a line drive off a high-performance aluminum bat (suit against the bat maker)
Payback in the Batter's BoxAvila v. Citrus Community College District · 2006 · Negligence - visiting college batter hit in the head by an apparent retaliatory pitch and given no medical aid (suit against the host college district)
First Game, Second RowGunther v. Charlotte Baseball, Inc. · 1994 · Negligence - first-time fan struck in the face by a foul ball in the second row behind third base (suit against the minor-league club)
Watching From the Parents' SectionBellezzo v. State of Arizona · 1992 · Negligence - parent struck by a foul ball at a state-university baseball game (suit against the State)
Bleachers Without a ScreenHunt v. Thomasville Baseball Co. · 1949 · Negligence - adult spectator struck by a ball while seated in an unprotected section (suit against the ballclub)
Extra Innings · The Shadow Dugout · 10 cases
A clubhouse caterer, a steroid supplier, ballplayer smugglers, a trimmed baseball card and a closer at a jewelry counter: baseball's criminal underside. Regular Session.
The Blue Pill on the Road TripUnited States v. Eric Kay · 2022 · Distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death; drug conspiracy - club staffer accused of supplying the fentanyl-laced pill that killed a pitcher
The Caterer's Side MenuUnited States v. Curtis Strong · 1985 · Distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute - clubhouse caterer accused of selling cocaine to big-league players
The Clubhouse PharmacistUnited States v. Kirk Radomski · 2008 · Distribution of anabolic steroids and money laundering - former clubhouse attendant accused of selling performance drugs to players
The Go-Fast Boat SigningUnited States v. Gustavo Dominguez · 2007 · Conspiracy to smuggle aliens for profit; alien smuggling; transporting and harboring aliens - agent accused of arranging boat trips for Cuban ballplayers
A Trim Off the TopUnited States v. William Mastro · 2015 · Mail fraud - auction-house owner accused of shill bidding and concealing alterations to a famous baseball card
The Note at the Jewelry CounterState of Florida v. Jeff Reardon · 2006 · Armed robbery - retired pitcher handed a jeweler a note claiming to have a gun
The Packages at the AirportUnited States v. Cepeda Penes · 1978 · Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute - retired slugger picked up airport parcels holding about 170 pounds
Halloween on the Dance FloorState of Florida v. Jose Canseco · 2002 · Aggravated battery and battery - retired slugger and his brother fought two men at a nightclub
Powder Versus RockUnited States v. Willie Mays Aikens · 1994 · Distribution of crack cocaine (four counts) and using a firearm during drug trafficking - former slugger sold crack from his home
Third-Country PassportsUnited States v. Bartolo Hernandez · 2017 · Conspiracy and unlawfully bringing aliens into the U.S. - agent and trainer accused of moving Cuban ballplayers through Mexico with false papers
Extra Innings · The Front Office · 10 cases
A ravine for a ballpark, a franchise heading south, lights at an old park, a radio station in a rented house, tax bills, a banned manager and a clubhouse door: baseball's business in court. Regular Session.
The Ravine for a BallclubCity of Los Angeles v. Superior Court · 1959 · Taxpayer challenge (illegal gift of public land / invalid contract) - city swapped a hillside tract for a stadium and a relocating big-league franchise (suit against the City of Los Angeles)
Binoculars Over the FencePittsburgh Athletic Co. v. KQV Broadcasting Co. · 1938 · Unfair competition / misappropriation of broadcast rights - radio station described home games seen from a rented house outside the park (suit against the radio station)
Packing Up for the SouthState v. Milwaukee Braves, Inc. · 1966 · State antitrust violation (restraint of trade) - state sued to stop a big-league club relocating out of its city (suit against the club and its league)
Press Pass, Door ShutLudtke v. Kuhn · 1978 · Equal protection (sex discrimination) - accredited woman reporter barred from the team clubhouse at a city-owned stadium (suit against the Commissioner of Baseball, the club and city officials)
Lights Out on the North SideChicago National League Ball Club, Inc. v. Thompson · 1985 · Constitutional challenge (special legislation / equal protection) - noise and lighting laws effectively barring night baseball at one old ballpark (suit against the Governor of Illinois and the city)
Depreciating the RosterSelig v. United States · 1984 · Federal income tax refund - IRS disallowed depreciation on player contracts bought with a franchise (suit against the United States)
Paying Old Wages LateUnited States v. Cleveland Indians Baseball Co. · 2001 · Employment tax refund - which year's tax rates apply to back pay settled years later (suit against the United States)
Spring Training for FreeSenne v. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp. · 2019 · Minimum wage and overtime (FLSA and state wage laws) - minor leaguers unpaid for spring training and off-season work (suit against Major League Baseball and its clubs)
The Hometown CourtroomRose v. Giamatti · 1989 · Injunction to stop a disciplinary hearing (due process / breach of contract) - famous manager accused of betting tried to block the Commissioner's hearing (suit against the Commissioner of Baseball)
What's in a Ballpark NameCity of Anaheim v. Angels Baseball LP · 2008 · Breach of contract (stadium lease naming clause) - club added a bigger neighboring city's name ahead of its host city's (suit against the club)
Extra Innings · Baseball's Exemption · 5 cases
A farmhand, a Mexican League jumper, a radio station, minor leaguers and a city all take a swing at baseball's one-of-a-kind antitrust exemption. Short Session.
Sent Down to the BushesToolson v. New York Yankees, Inc. · 1953 · Sherman Act antitrust violation - minor league pitcher challenges the reserve clause after being sent to a lower farm team (suit against the club and organized baseball)
South of the Border JumpGardella v. Chandler · 1949 · Sherman/Clayton Act antitrust treble damages - outfielder blacklisted after jumping to a foreign league; appeal from dismissal (suit against the Commissioner and organized baseball)
Bus Rides and Small ChecksMiranda v. Selig · 2017 · Sherman Act antitrust - minor league players claim clubs agreed to suppress their pay (suit against Major League Baseball and its commissioner)
Dead Air on Game DayHenderson Broadcasting Corp. v. Houston Sports Ass'n, Inc. · 1982 · Clayton/Sherman Act antitrust - radio station dropped from a club's broadcast deal alleges a conspiracy with a rival station; motion to dismiss (suit against the club's owner)
Waiting on the MoveCity of San Jose v. Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · 2015 · Sherman Act antitrust - city claims the league stalled a club's relocation into a rival club's territory (suit against the Commissioner's office)
Extra Innings · Cards & Faces · 5 cases
Gum cards, an invented biography, a beer ad and the TV broadcast: who owns a ballplayer's face. Short Session.
Faces on the Gum WrapperHaelan Laboratories, Inc. v. Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. · 1953 · Inducing breach of contract and misappropriation of exclusive photo rights - rival gum maker used players' pictures licensed exclusively to another company (suit against the rival gum maker)
Cards Sold With GumFleer Corp. v. Topps Chewing Gum, Inc. · 1981 · Sherman Act monopolization/restraint of trade - rival card maker challenges exclusive player picture deals (suit against the dominant card maker and the players' union)
The Medal He Never WonSpahn v. Julian Messner, Inc. · 1967 · Invasion of privacy (N.Y. Civil Rights Law) - unauthorized biography invented heroics about a star pitcher (suit against the publisher)
Who Owns the BroadcastBaltimore Orioles, Inc. v. Major League Baseball Players Ass'n · 1986 · Right of publicity / property in performances - players claim clubs need their consent to televise games (players' claims against the clubs)
The Windup in the Beer AdNewcombe v. Adolf Coors Co. · 1998 · Misappropriation of likeness (common law and Cal. Civ. Code 3344) - beer ad used a drawing copied from a famous pitcher's photo (suit against the brewer and its ad agency)
Seventh-Inning Stretch · Off the Bench · 14 cases
The Babe in a jail cell, a manager asleep at a green light, a payroll manager, a clubhouse stash and a forged-autograph wholesaler: baseball people in the criminal courts. Extended Session.
Dirt on the OutfielderUnited States v. Howard Spira · 1991 · Attempted extortion and threats - demanding more money from a team owner
Uniform Under the SuitBabe Ruth speeding case, New York City · 1921 · Speeding - repeat offence by a famous slugger on a game day
Asleep at the Green LightState of Florida v. Tony La Russa · 2007 · Driving under the influence - manager found asleep at the wheel in an intersection
Bonus Money KickbacksUnited States v. David S. Wilder · 2013 · Mail fraud - front-office executive taking kickbacks from prospects' signing bonuses
Tickets Out the Back DoorUnited States v. Bruce Lee · 2021 · Wire fraud - ticket broker reselling thousands of improperly created ballpark tickets
The Repainted CarPeople v. Benny Kauff · 1921 · Auto theft - outfielder accused of stealing, repainting and selling a car
Whisky at the ClubProhibition liquor case against John J. McGraw, New York · 1921 · Unlawful purchase and possession of liquor under the Prohibition law - manager accused at a private club
Cash at the Autograph TableUnited States v. Snider · 1995 · Conspiracy to commit federal tax fraud over unreported cash from autograph signings and memorabilia sales
The Signature TaxUnited States v. McCovey · 1995 · Federal tax evasion on unreported cash income from autograph and memorabilia shows
The Payroll ManagerUnited States v. O'Connor · 2012 · Wire fraud - big-league club's payroll manager accused of diverting club and employee money into her own accounts
The Forged Signature WholesalerUnited States v. Harrison · 2001 · Conspiracy and federal income tax evasion on unreported income from wholesaling forged autographed memorabilia
The Clubhouse StashPeople v. Samuels · 2012 · Criminal possession of stolen property and criminal tax fraud - longtime clubhouse manager accused of taking team memorabilia
The Say-Hey FakesUnited States v. Damato · 2026 · Wire fraud - memorabilia dealer accused of doctoring items and inventing their history to sell them as genuine
The Archivist's SilverwareUnited States v. Rogers · 2017 · Wire fraud - sports photo archivist and memorabilia dealer accused of selling fakes and lying to investors and lenders
Seventh-Inning Stretch · Heads Up! · 10 cases
Line drives, warm-up throws, a ball over the top of the screen and a stampede for a souvenir: ten real fights over who pays when the ball leaves the field. Regular Session.
High in the BleachersThurmond v. Prince William Professional Baseball Club, Inc. · 2003 · Negligence - fan hit in the face by a line-drive foul ball in unscreened bleachers (suit against a minor-league club)
Behind the Yankees' DugoutClapman v. City of New York · 1984 · Negligence - foul-ball injury in a box seat; screen and vendors blamed (suit against the city and stadium operators)
Over the Top of the ScreenLeek v. Tacoma Baseball Club, Inc. · 1951 · Negligence - foul ball dropped over the screen onto a fan in a protected seat (suit against the club)
Practice Between GamesCincinnati Base Ball Club Co. v. Eno · 1925 · Negligence - fan hit by a batted ball during between-games practice close to the stands (suit against the club)
Warm-Up ThrowsTaylor v. Baseball Club of Seattle, L.P. · 2006 · Negligence - fan hit in the face by an errant pre-game warm-up throw (suit against the club and players)
Box A-31Shaw v. Boston American League Baseball Co. · 1950 · Negligence - fan struck in the head by a foul ball in a crowded, unscreened box with extra folding chairs (suit against the ballclub)
I Thought Reserved Meant ProtectedHudson v. Kansas City Baseball Club, Inc. · 1942 · Negligence - older nearsighted fan hit by a foul ball after being shown to an unscreened reserved seat (suit against the club)
The Scramble for the SouvenirLee v. National League Baseball Club of Milwaukee, Inc. · 1958 · Negligence - fan knocked from her box seat when other spectators stampeded for a foul ball (suit against the club)
Distracted in the StandsCoronel v. Chicago White Sox, Ltd. · 1992 · Negligence - first-time fan struck in the jaw by a line-drive foul ball while looking down at her popcorn (suit against the club and stadium owner)
Empty Seats Behind the NetKavafian v. Seattle Baseball Club Ass'n · 1919 · Negligence - latecomer struck by a foul ball after taking an unscreened grandstand seat (suit against the club)
Seventh-Inning Stretch · The Paper Chase · 10 cases
Play-by-play by telephone, tabletop leagues, the Babe's calendar, underpaid scouts and Shoeless Joe's back salary: who owns the money baseball makes off the field. Regular Session.
Play-by-Play by TelephoneNational Exhibition Co. v. Teleflash, Inc. · 1936 · Unfair competition - relaying live play-by-play of games over telephone lines to paying subscribers (suit against the relay company)
The Tabletop Big LeaguesUhlaender v. Henricksen · 1970 · Misappropriation of names and statistics - unlicensed baseball table games (suit against the game makers)
The Babe on the CalendarPirone v. MacMillan, Inc. · 1990 · Trademark infringement and publicity rights - photos of a legendary slugger in a baseball calendar (suit against the publisher)
The Endorsement PromiseSpeakers of Sport, Inc. v. ProServ, Inc. · 1999 · Tortious interference - rival agency lured away a star catcher with promises of endorsements (suit against the rival agency)
The Bean-Bag BearsMajor League Baseball Properties, Inc. v. Salvino, Inc. · 2008 · Sherman Act antitrust - collectibles maker claims the clubs' pooled, exclusive logo-licensing arm restrains trade (counterclaim against the league's licensing arm)
The Promised FranchiseMajor League Baseball v. Morsani · 2001 · Tortious interference - investor says baseball broke its promise of a franchise; issue is whether the time limit bars the suit (suit against baseball's governing bodies)
Subpoenas for ContractionMajor League Baseball v. Crist · 2003 · State antitrust investigation - attorney general's demands for documents and testimony about a plan to eliminate two clubs (challenged investigation of the league and commissioner)
The Underpaid ScoutsWyckoff v. Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · 2017 · Sherman Act antitrust - scouts claim the clubs agreed not to poach each other's scouts to hold down pay (suit against the Commissioner's office and the clubs)
The Bay Area Team That Almost LeftPiazza v. Major League Baseball · 1993 · Sherman Act antitrust and defamation - investors claim baseball blocked their purchase and move of a big-league club (suit against the league)
Shoeless in MilwaukeeJackson v. Chicago American League Baseball Club · 1924 · Breach of contract - banned outfielder sues for salary owed under his multi-year contract (suit against his former club)
Seventh-Inning Stretch · Stadium Wars · 5 cases
Tax money, county bonds, a ballot petition, neighborhood parkland and a car dealer's crusade: five courtroom fights over who pays for the ballpark. Short Session.
Public Money, Private TeamCLEAN v. State (Citizens for Leaders with Ethics & Accountability Now v. State) · 1996 · Unconstitutional gift of public funds - tax money for a ballpark leased to a private team (challenge to the State's stadium law)
The Suburban Ballpark BondsSavage v. State of Georgia · 2015 · Unconstitutional public debt and gratuity - county bonds for a new big-league stadium (challenge to the bond validation)
Put It to the VotersSchools Over Stadiums v. Thompson · 2024 · Defective referendum petition - ballot measure to undo ballpark funding (challenge to the petition)
Ballpark on the ParklandSave Our Parks v. Kempthorne · 2006 · Unlawful federal approval - converting grant-funded parkland for a new stadium (challenge to the federal approval)
The Car Dealer's CrusadeBraman v. Miami-Dade County · 2008 · Public financing challenge - wealthy car dealer says stadium bond and tax deals needed a public vote and broke state law (suit against the county and city)
Seventh-Inning Stretch · Bush Leagues · 5 cases
A flying bat on the West Coast, a payoff for Seattle, a catcher who jumped back and overflow bleachers: the minor leagues in court. Short Session.
The Bat That SlippedRatcliff v. San Diego Baseball Club of the Pacific Coast League · 1938 · Negligence - fan hit by a bat that flew out of a batter's hands into a walkway (suit against the club)
Paid Off for SeattlePortland Baseball Club, Inc. v. Kuhn · 1974 · Contract and Sherman Act antitrust - minor-league club says big-league expansion into its league's territory was not properly paid for (suit against the Commissioner, both major leagues and the clubs)
Carolina League GrievancesProfessional Baseball Schools & Clubs, Inc. v. Kuhn · 1982 · Sherman and Clayton Act antitrust plus a false-promise claim - minor-league franchise owner attacks baseball's player-assignment and franchise-location systems (suit against the Commissioner, the minor leagues' association and its league)
The Catcher Who Jumped BackWeegham v. Killefer · 1914 · Breach of contract / injunction - rival-league club seeks to stop a catcher from returning to his old big-league team (suit against the catcher)
New to the GameBrisson v. Minneapolis Baseball & Athletic Ass'n · 1932 · Negligence - spectator struck by a foul ball in temporary unscreened bleachers when screened seats were full (suit against the ballclub)
Doubleheader · Rain Delay · 10 cases
Cheap bleachers, batting practice, a broken bat and a trip to the concourse, plus four ballplayers' drug cases: ten trials to fill the wait. Regular Session.
Saving on the BleachersLorino v. New Orleans Baseball & Amusement Co. · 1931 · Negligence - fan in the cheap bleachers hit by a foul ball during pre-game practice (suit against the club)
Many Balls in the AirReed-Jennings v. The Baseball Club of Seattle, L.P. · 2015 · Negligence - fan hit in the face during visiting-team batting practice (suit against the club)
First Game, Last ToothRomeo v. The Pittsburgh Associates · 2001 · Negligence, contract and consumer-protection claims - first-time fan hit by a foul ball in unscreened box seats (suit against the club)
Ambushed on the ConcourseAlwin v. St. Paul Saints Baseball Club, Inc. · 2003 · Negligence - fan hit by a foul ball while walking through the concession area (suit against the minor-league club)
Splinters in Row TwoRees v. Cleveland Indians Baseball Co. · 2004 · Negligence and failure to warn - fan struck in the face by a piece of a broken bat (suit against the club)
Batting Practice BulletMartinez v. Houston McLane Co., LLC · 2013 · Negligence and premises liability - fan hit by a batting-practice home run in the outfield seats (suit against the club's owner)
The Kansas City ShuffleUnited States v. Willie Wilson · 1983 · Attempting to possess cocaine (federal misdemeanor)
One Gram in Big SkyUnited States v. Steve Howe · 1992 · Attempted possession of cocaine (federal misdemeanor)
Bags in the BackUnited States v. Esteban Loaiza · 2019 · Possession of cocaine with intent to distribute (about 20 kg)
Red Light, Full TrunkPeople v. Joe Pepitone · 1986 · Drug and weapons possession - cocaine, pills and a pistol found in a car carrying a former star (charges against the passenger)
Doubleheader · Double Play · 5 cases
A throw between innings, an usher's promise, TV blackouts, the 'evil empire' and a card collector's bible: five quick rulings. Short Session.
Toss Between InningsDalton v. Jones · 2003 · Negligence - fan hit by a player's throw between innings (suit against the player and the club)
The Usher Said SafeAnderson v. Kansas City Baseball Club · 1950 · Negligence - fan moved by an usher to an unscreened seat and told it was safe (suit against the club)
Blacked Out at HomeLaumann v. National Hockey League (consolidated with Garber v. Office of the Commissioner of Baseball) · 2014 · Sherman Act class claims by fans over territorial TV blackouts (suit against the league, its clubs and TV distributors)
The Empire Strikes BackNew York Yankees Partnership v. Evil Enterprises, Inc. · 2013 · Trademark opposition - clothing company sought to register a famous club's taunting nickname for apparel (opposition against the applicant)
The Collector's BibleEckes v. Card Prices Update · 1984 · Copyright infringement - newsletter allegedly copied a price guide's list of premium baseball cards (suit against the newsletter)
Doubleheader · Bottom of the Ninth · 5 cases
An oversold playoff, a riverfront stadium, forty dropped farm teams, a jumping outfielder and one more season in the Dome: five last-chance cases. Short Session.
Standing Room, No ViewErickson v. Lexington Baseball Club, Inc. · 1951 · Negligence - overcrowded playoff game left a fan unscreened and unable to see the ball (suit against the minor-league club)
Stadium Before SewersConrad v. City of Pittsburgh · 1966 · Taxpayer challenge to public financing of a riverfront stadium (challenge to the city's plan)
Forty Teams Cut LooseNostalgic Partners, LLC v. Office of the Commissioner of Baseball · 2023 · Sherman Act claims over the elimination of minor-league affiliations (suit against the Commissioner's office)
The Outfielder's ExitCincinnati Exhibition Co. v. Marsans · 1914 · Injunction to stop an outfielder who left mid-contract for a rival league (suit against the player)
One More SeasonMetropolitan Sports Facilities Commission v. Minnesota Twins Partnership · 2002 · Suit to enforce the final season of a stadium lease against a club facing elimination (suit against the club)