09/29/26 11:47:00
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09/29 11:45 CDT A's outfielder Zack Gelof sues Tigers for damages after right
knee slammed into Comerica Park fence
A's outfielder Zack Gelof sues Tigers for damages after right knee slammed into
Comerica Park fence
DETROIT (AP) --- Athletics outfielder Zack Gelof has filed a lawsuit against
the Detroit Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium
Authority for damages after his right knee slammed into a Comerica Park fence
during a game last summer.
"We are aware of the lawsuit and do not comment on pending litigation," the
Tigers said in a statement on Tuesday.
Gelof was hurt in the third inning of a 4-1 loss to the Tigers on July 9 while
making a sliding catch in foul territory and colliding with a metal fence. The
26-year-old infielder immediately grabbed his knee in obvious pain, a tear in
his uniform pants showed where his leg made contact with the fence. He was left
with a deep cut under his right knee cap, just missing the tendon, and didn't
play again until Aug. 10.
"This injury could have easily prevented through the most basic and inexpensive
design," said Gelof's attorney, Jon Marko. "It doesn't take a stadium design
expert to realize that sharp metal fencing in an area where players are
required to slide and play around is a recipe for disaster like the one that
occurred here.
"All they had to do was put cheap padding up like they did after Zack was
injured and this entire incident could have been avoided. My son's little
league diamond is safer."
Gelof hit .256 with 22 homers and 55 RBIs --- both career highs --- in 111
games during his fourth season. The A's finished the season 64-98, putting them
ahead of only the Los Angeles Angels and the Colorado Rockies in the majors.
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