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Spectator sues Yankees $10 M over bat injury, netting gap

8/7/2026

39 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Duluc Sues Yankees

Stephanie Duluc sued the New York Yankees for $10 million after a bat struck her head on June 2.
Cleveland Guardians infielder Jose Ramirez launched the bat in the fifth inning, striking Duluc and causing a traumatic brain injury and concussion that keep her from working.
She alleges the home-plate netting was significantly lower than nearby sections, creating an unprotected gap, and warns the case may face the Baseball Rule defense.

Summary

Kay Reports Bat

Michael Kay, the Yankees’ play-by-play announcer, said on YES Network the bat cleared the screen and flattened a spectator when it struck Duluc.
The Yankees declined comment on Duluc’s $10 million lawsuit.
The lawsuit cites 2015 Fenway Park and 2017 Yankee Stadium injuries that prompted expanded netting rules.
Viewers on PIX11’s “Monica Makes It Happen” YouTube page asked whether the segment contradicted Duluc’s injury claims.

History

Historical Context

The Baseball Rule began with the 1913 Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in Crane v. Kansas City Baseball Club, which limited team liability when fans sat in unprotected seats. Later cases such as New Jersey’s 2013 Maisonave decision and foul-ball injuries at Fenway (2015) and Yankee Stadium (2017) have strained the doctrine. Stephanie Duluc’s $10 million suit against the New York Yankees could force MLB to expand netting.

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Duluc Sues Yankees

Stephanie Duluc sued the New York Yankees for $10 million after a bat struck her head on June 2.
Cleveland Guardians infielder Jose Ramirez launched the bat in the fifth inning, striking Duluc and causing a traumatic brain injury and concussion that keep her from working.
She alleges the home-plate netting was significantly lower than nearby sections, creating an unprotected gap, and warns the case may face the Baseball Rule defense.

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