Former MLB Pitcher Is Awarded $2.3 Million After Hurting Hand Punching Naked Man High On LSD

There is an interesting verdict out of California where a former MLB pitcher, Greg Reynolds, was awarded $2.3 million against a man who appeared at his house naked and high on LSD.  In an effort to keep Dominic Pintarelli (left) out of his house, Reynolds severely damaged his hand and effectively ended his promising baseball career.  Reynolds was also allowed to recover from the hosts of the party where Pintarelli became high.  The liability of the hosts is particularly interesting.  The damages included $300,000 for the pain and suffering of Reynolds’ wife.

Pintarelli was 19 at the time and was convicted on assault charges.

Reynolds was a second round pick by the Colorado Rockies after he graduated from Stanford.  He pitched in the majors in a loss to the Padres and was traded to Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds.

The incident occurred on Jan. 16, 2016 when he approached a naked man in his gated community to see if he needed house.  Pintarelli attacked him and Reynolds ran back in the house.  When Pintarelli tried to force his way in, Reynolds Reynolds stepped outside and punched Pintarelli, fracturing his knuckles.  The incident ended his career and, after a minor league contract, Reynolds went back to Stanford for an economics degree. He eventually went into finance.

Again, the most interesting element is the recovery against the party host.  Bars and restaurants can be liable under dram shop acts for injuries caused by “over served” patrons to third parties.  Social hosts are generally exempted.

This appears to be a straight negligence case against Connor Pope who got high with Pintarelli.   Pope however was not with Pintarelli at the time of the assault.  Nevertheless, the jury found him responsible as a matter of proximate cause.