Woman sues Barboursville Little League after daughter is injured

HUNTINGTON — A mother is suing Barboursville Little League Baseball after her daughter was injured on the baseball field.

Michelle M. McCallister's daughter -- listed only as M.K.M. -- was injured when sliding into second base on March 21, 2009, according to a complaint filed Nov. 4 in Cabell Circuit Court.

McCallister claims the breakaway bases were made for adults and not minors. When her daughter slid into second base, she suffered a broken leg. The breakaway base also allegedly did not break away as it was designed to do.

Neither Head Coach Barry Cook nor Assistant Coach Robert Neace demonstrated or instructed the girl on the safe way to properly slide into the breakaway bases so as to avoid injuries, according to the suit.

McCallister claims Barboursville Little League Baseball should have purchased youth breakaway bases instead of adult breakaway bases.

McCallister is suing for compensatory and general damages for hospital and medical treatment, pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, annoyance and inconvenience and the loss of the ability to enjoy life. J. Michael Ranson, Cynthia M. Ranson and George B. Morrone III of Ranson Law offices are representing her.

Earlier this year, a Wayne County mother and daughter filed a similar suit against Barboursville Little League.

Pamela M. Hodge and her minor daughter Mary Alexis Hodge filed a lawsuit March 10 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Rogers USA and Barboursville Little League Baseball.

According to the complaint, Rogers is the manufacturer and seller of a "breakaway base" that was installed on the softball diamond by the little league group.

During a softball game in May 2006, Mary Alexis slid into second base and the base didn't give way, causing her to break her leg.

The McCallister case has been assigned to Circuit Judge F. Jane Hustead.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 09-C-878