Extra Innings · Beanballs & Bleachers
The Bat That Left the Box
Nathans v. Offerman (2014)
Charge: Civil assault and battery - catcher injured when a hit-by-pitch batter charged the mound swinging his bat (suit against the batter)Court: Connecticut Superior Court (Bridgeport)Docket: Beanballs & Bleachers
Is a batter civilly liable for assault after charging the mound with his bat in hand during a brawl that left the opposing catcher with a career-ending head injury?
The facts
In a 2007 independent-league game in Connecticut, a former big-league veteran was hit by a pitch. He charged toward the mound still carrying his bat. In the melee that followed, the home team's catcher suffered a head injury that he said ended his playing career. The catcher sued for about $4.8 million. The batter testified that he never swung the bat at the catcher or anyone else.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Nathans v. Offerman, Connecticut Superior Court (Bridgeport), jury verdict July 29, 2014 (no reported opinion)
Read more at cbsnews.com. The source reveals the outcome.