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Dominican Woman Sues Yankees for $10 Million After Bat Strikes Her at Game
A 37-year-old woman of Dominican descent has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the New York Yankees, alleging negligence after she suffered a traumatic brain injury when a bat flew into the stands during a Major League Baseball game at Yankee Stadium.
Stephanie Duluc, a 37-year-old New Jersey resident of Dominican descent, has filed a lawsuit seeking at least $10 million in damages after she was struck in the head by a broken bat during a game between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians at Yankee Stadium.
The incident occurred on June 2 during the fifth inning when Guardians third baseman José Ramírez lost control of his bat while facing Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler. The bat flew into the seating area behind home plate, hitting Duluc as she watched the game from a section near the on-deck circle in the Bronx.
Video of the Incident Drew Widespread Attention
The accident was captured on video and quickly spread across social media. Footage shows the bat striking Duluc before she collapses onto the floor between the seats. The unexpected nature of the incident prompted concern among nearby spectators, while Ramírez appeared visibly distressed after realizing what had happened.
Alleged Long-Term Injuries
According to the lawsuit, Duluc suffered a traumatic brain injury, a concussion, neck injuries and damage to her hands. Court filings also state that she continues to experience persistent headaches, balance problems, cognitive impairment and sensitivity to light.
Her attorney says she has been unable to return to work or resume her normal daily activities since the accident. The lawsuit also seeks compensation for lost wages, ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
Negligence Claims Focus on Stadium Safety
The legal complaint argues that the Yankees and those responsible for operating Yankee Stadium failed to provide adequate protection for spectators. Duluc alleges that the protective netting in the section where she was seated was significantly lower than in other parts of the stadium, leaving an unprotected opening through which the bat entered the stands.
Based on those allegations, she is seeking damages of at least $10 million for physical injuries, financial losses and other related harm.
Safety Debate Returns to Major League Baseball
The lawsuit has renewed discussion about fan safety at Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums. In 2018, MLB required all 30 clubs to extend protective netting along the foul lines following several incidents in which spectators were injured by foul balls or broken bats.
Although every ballpark now has protective netting, its height and coverage vary from one stadium to another. Duluc’s case centers on whether those differences leave certain seating areas unnecessarily exposed to potentially dangerous objects entering the stands.
The outcome of the case could once again place stadium safety standards under legal and public scrutiny as professional baseball continues balancing fan experience with spectator protection.
