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Helena Jury Rules in Favor of Mother

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Oct 28, 2009 at 4:07 PM MST

Story Updated: Oct 28, 2009 at 5:30 PM MST

It was an emotional courtroom in Helena Wednesday afternoon when a jury ruled in favor of a Miles City mother suing the maker of Louisville Slugger bats over the death of her son.

The jury found the maker of the Louisville Slugger bats liable for failing to warn about the dangers of its product. Patch’s teenage son, Brandon, was pitching for the Miles City Mavericks back in 2003 when a ball hit by a Helena Senators batter struck him in the temple, resulting in fatal injury.

Patch alleged Hillerich and Bradsby, the maker of the bats, manufactured an unreasonably dangerous product capable of hitting a ball so fast you can’t see it. Attorneys for the manufacturer had argued Brandon’s death was an unfortunate accident that could have happened with many different bats.

The Patch family was awarded a total of $850,000 in monetary damages, but they say the case was really about bringing awareness to the issue.

Debbie Patch says, “We should go back to the way baseball’s played. Professionals play with wood and we need to play with wood. This is for Brandon, and for the other kids on the field. Brandon was with us, #11 showed up all the time. Brandon was with us, he knows I wouldn’t stop.”

The Patch family doesn’t know what they will do with the money, but Debbie Patch says one possibility is creating a scholarship in her son’s name.

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Randall said on Saturday, Jul 3 at 1:30 PM

Well it is good to know there are so many ignorant people worrying about monetary benefit, when the real issue is making baseball a safer game. Seems like to me had this case not been brought up that you would have no idea of the risk until you or your child is seriously injured or killed. Had the Patch family lost and got awarded nothing they have brought awareness to the issue regardless. Oh, maybe your right, let the company keep the money so it can be invested into more dangerous bats.Think about it people. This is a capitalist society, a kids life is worth nothing compared to selling a 200 or 300 dollar bat. I ran across the forever11 website dedicated to brandon and found this article and more. After seeing that I have no doubt the Patch's are still dedicated to this issue not only in Montana but around the United States. Thanks Patch's for working so hard to make baseball a safe game for kids. Also, Congratulations on your victory, it must have been very hard.

Candice said on Wednesday, Nov 4 at 7:26 AM

The jury listened and the family prevailed. That is the American system. Go back to wooden bats.

Ridiculous said on Friday, Oct 30 at 2:23 AM

I truly feel sorry for the Patch's for losing their son, I have lost siblings young in their lives too. But really, this is a ridiculous lawsuit and really makes me lose faith in humanity. Next thing you know there will be a lawsuit against the glove manufacturer too since it probably didn't come with proper instructions....

Logan said on Thursday, Oct 29 at 11:12 PM

As a parent of three boys who love this sport I am proud of the Patch's resolve. Safety should always be first. When you build a product and promote it to youth-you are responsible for it. God bless your son's memory.

Rose said on Thursday, Oct 29 at 7:12 AM

Another frivilous lawsuit winner. That lawsuit was done strictly for monetary reasons. People like that bat style because the ball flies further? Shame on the parents and shame on the judge.

Justin Moser said on Wednesday, Oct 28 at 9:41 PM

Lets get a clue people, your kids play sports there is a risk, your kids skateboard there is a risk if your kid is in your car and you get in a crash you don't sue the car company do you?

Justin Moser said on Wednesday, Oct 28 at 9:40 PM

I watched the video of this and now I am furious! The mother said it was to bring awareness? How does you profiting $850,000 dollars bring awareness of the danger in metal bats? How does this make your son not die in vain? If you want to bring awareness that metal bats are dangerous do it in the right way. Start a foundation! Make people aware........ Read MoreStart a rise to bring back wood bats in baseball. However, wood bats can harm people like metal does, only in different ways.

Sensible said on Wednesday, Oct 28 at 8:12 PM

Shame the Patch's are within greed using their son's unfortunate death in a game they surely signed a waiver for in order to let him play. I truly hope they learn responsibility at some point.

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