Pete Stendel, a YES Network cameraman, had to be carted off after suffering an orbital fracture due to an errant throw that hit his head, the network announced last week. The game was delayed for about 20 minutes, as Stendel was hospitalized and was “conscious undergoing tests” before he was cleared to be sent home to rest.
In their 6-3 win, Orioles rookie shortstop Gunnar Henderson attempted to throw a ball to first base to get the Yankees’ Anthony Volpe out in the fifth inning, but the ball flew over first baseman Ryan O’Hearn’s head and sailed to hit Stendel. Medical personnel then attended to the cameraman, as the crowd chanted “MVP” while he was carted off the field, giving a peace sign to the crowd as he received a standing ovation at Yankee Stadium.
“Definitely praying for him. It was good to see him obviously coherent and obviously raising his hand going off,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the game.
“But I saw it pretty well right away, and it was very scary. I didn’t see how he fell back, but I knew what could’ve been possible falling back, on top of the impact from the velocity of the ball hitting him … Obviously, a difficult scene there, and just hoped he was OK.”
“Every time that a ball goes over the first baseman or even a foul ball from the hitter, you don’t want to see it going towards a fan. It just happened to be in the wrong spot, and I hope he’s doing all right,” Henderson said after the Orioles beat the Yankees 6-3.
“My prayers go out to him. I’m just thankful for the guys that rushed over there to him to help him.”
The YES Network tweeted said this about Stendel: “Pete suffered an orbital fracture and is home resting. He and his family appreciate everyone’s support.”
