Tigers argue they aren’t liable for Gelof’s injury at Detroit ballpark

The Detroit Tigers and their co-defendants have responded in court to a lawsuit filed by Athletics third baseman Zack Gelof, arguing they cannot be held legally responsible for an injury he suffered during a July game at Comerica Park.

Their motion, filed Oct. 29, contends that co-defendants Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority did not control Comerica Park and therefore cannot be liable for its conditions.

The stadium authority also claimed governmental immunity.

The Tigers argue Gelof, as a professional baseball player, assumed the inherent risks of the game, including the possibility of colliding with the fence. They also contend the exposed fencing was “open and obvious,” which should bar his claims.

They are asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, filed Sept. 28 in Wayne County Circuit Court, Gelof was sliding to catch a foul ball along the left field line during a game against the Tigers when his right knee struck an exposed metal fence protruding into or alongside the playing area. The rigid, sharp fencing allegedly lacked adequate protective padding.

The impact tore Gelof’s uniform and caused a deep laceration beneath his right kneecap, narrowly missing his patellar tendon, according to the suit. He was removed from the game and missed 30 days of practices and games while recovering. Gelof alleges that the injury affected his statistics, career progression and earning potential, while leaving him at risk of reinjury.

The lawsuit contends the defendants failed to maintain a reasonably safe playing environment and seeks compensation for Gelof’s medical expenses, lost wages and career opportunities, plus pain and suffering. It does not specify a dollar amount but requests damages sufficient to “fully and fairly compensate him.”

The lawsuit also notes that the Tigers installed protective padding over the exposed fencing shortly after the incident.