Stella’s Sports Complex, the Lyons, Illinois batting cage facility that is a second home to Little Leaguers from February to September, is being sued. According to online reports today, Michael Rhodes, a “semi-professional ball player”, is claiming he was injured at the facility after being struck by a baseball. The reports indicate Rhoades was taking swings in a batting cage and was suddenly hit in the head by an “”errant” baseball. The “errant” ball was allegedly hit by another batter, in a nearby cage and somehow entered the cage in which Rhoades was hitting. The complaint alleges the batting cages were negligently designed and failed to protect patrons from wayward balls hit by other batters.

Rhoades apparently suffered permanent injuries and had his left eye removed. Rhoades is represented by attorney Joseph Curcio. The owner of Stella’s could not be reached for comment.