The Los Angeles Angels find themselves in another difficult legal situation this year. Their new dilemma comes years after ball clubs around Major League Baseball made alterations to their safety measure to protect fans from possible incidents from errant baseballs and bats.
The Angels were in the crosshairs of the wrongful death lawsuit filed against them by the family of former player Tyler Skaggs. A lengthy trial rendered a guilty verdict for former staffer, Eric Kay, but the team remains in a difficult spot because of the Skaggs family continuing their fight for justice.
Aside from that, a new civil complaint filed against the team alleges they’re at fault after an errant baseball caused significant injuries, which included going blind in his left eye, to a spectator, according to Sean Emery of the O.C. Register:
A civil complaint filed Tuesday in Orange County Superior Court describes David Mermelstein’s left eyeball as being crushed when he was struck in the face at Angel Stadium by a ball that the complaint claims was thrown by former Angels outfielder Juan Lagares, who had just caught a third out to retire the opposing side.
While most fans try to get a baseball every game, the lawsuit makes the case that the souvenirs are given out by players in an unsafe manner when thrown randomly into the crowd:
The lawsuit alleges that in deciding to “give out a souvenir baseball,” Lagares “had a duty to do so reasonably and safely” by “handing the ball or gently tossing the ball to an awaiting fan.” Instead, according to the lawsuit,” the outfielder “threw the ball with such force and velocity that it traveled over the outfield wall, up ten rows and smashed into the eye socket of an unsuspecting fan…
“Randomly hurling a baseball into a crowd of people is neither reasonable nor safe,” the lawsuit read.
The unfortunate side is that the incident happened when the game wasn’t currently going on, but during a half inning when fans aren’t all expected to be paying attention:
Major League Baseball tickets warn ballpark visitors that by attending a game they assume the risk of being struck by balls or bats. But Marcereau said Mermelstein’s injury occurred while play was stopped and the ball was thrown voluntarily by a player rather than a foul ball striking a fan.
The lawsuit includes other references to another case against the club when another fan was injured by a wild throw during a 2019 game at Angel Stadium. There were no monetary details attached and is still in the early stages.
Oakland Athletics relocation vote could happen soon
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred announced that a relocation vote for the Oakland Athletic’s possible move to Las Vegas could take place as soon as early June.
MLB and the Athletics have been working to push forward the process. On Wednesday, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo announced an agreement with State Treasurer Zach Conine, and Clark County officials to forward a bill that would bring MLB to Las Vegas.
The A’s moving to Las Vegas would seemingly have no impact on their inclusion in the American League West division.
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