Extra Innings · Beanballs & Bleachers
Faster Than the Fastball
Sanchez v. Hillerich & Bradsby Co. (2002)
Charge: 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)Court: California Court of Appeal, Second District, Division FourDocket: Beanballs & Bleachers
Does assumption of risk bar a pitcher's design-defect suit against a bat maker whose aluminum bat allegedly made line drives dangerously fast?
The facts
In 1999 a pitcher for a California state-university team was struck in the head by a line drive during a game. The ball left the opposing hitter's aluminum bat at over 100 mph. He suffered severe head injuries and was taken to a trauma hospital. He sued the bat's manufacturer, claiming its design increased ball speed beyond what a pitcher could react to. The trial court ruled he assumed the risks of baseball.
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: Sanchez v. Hillerich & Bradsby Co., 104 Cal. App. 4th 703 (2002)
Read more at metnews.com. The source reveals the outcome.