Former High School Baseball Coach Sues Over Eye Injury

Corey Twigg claims defective safety net caused him to lose an eye during batting practice.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

A former high school baseball coach, Corey Twigg, is suing Varsity Brands Holding Co., BSN Sports Inc., and Garware Technical Fibres over a 2018 incident where a ball hit him in the eye during batting practice, causing him to lose the eye. Twigg claims the safety net he was seated behind was defective, while the defendants argue the net was not defective and that Twigg used a damaged screen.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of safety equipment in high school sports and the potential legal liability for manufacturers and schools when equipment fails and causes serious injury. It also raises questions about proper maintenance and inspection protocols for sports equipment used by schools.

The details

Twigg, a former assistant baseball coach at Montoursville Area High School, was injured on March 10, 2018 while throwing batting practice underhand to players. A ball hit by a player went through the safety net Twigg was seated behind, striking him in the right eye. Attempts to save the eye were unsuccessful. Twigg and his wife Lori sued the net manufacturers and suppliers, claiming the net was defective. The defendants argue the net was not defective and that Twigg used a damaged screen.

  • Twigg was injured on March 10, 2018 during batting practice.
  • Twigg and his wife filed the lawsuit in 2021.

The players

Corey Twigg

A former assistant baseball coach at Montoursville Area High School who lost an eye after being struck by a ball that went through a safety net during batting practice.

Lori Twigg

Corey Twigg's wife, who is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Varsity Brands Holding Co.

A defendant in the lawsuit, a supplier of athletic and sporting equipment.

BSN Sports Inc.

A subsidiary of Varsity Brands Holding Co. and a defendant in the lawsuit.

Garware Technical Fibres

An India-based manufacturer of athletic equipment, including the safety netting, and a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“The double net failed within 15 months of being manufactured.”

— Nicholas W. Mattiacci, Attorney for the Twiggs

“As the result of the injury, Twigg, a former sixth grade teacher, is a 'mere shadow of what he was.' He is no longer teaching and has psychological issues.”

— Nicholas W. Mattiacci, Attorney for the Twiggs

“Zip ties add tension on the netting, and they were removed before the hole the ball went through was photographed.”

— John T. Donovan, Attorney for Garware

What’s next

The 12 expert witnesses are expected to testify about the condition of the safety net and whether there was a defect.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proper safety equipment maintenance and inspection protocols in high school sports, as well as the potential legal liability for manufacturers and schools when equipment failures lead to serious injuries.