YES Network cameraman Pete Stendel suffered an orbital fracture after he was hit by an errant baseball during Wednesday night’s Yankees game against the Orioles.
Stendel is out of the hospital after going in for testing and is at home resting, a YES Network spokesperson said.
“He and his family appreciate everyone’s support,” the statement said.
The scary scene unfolded at Yankee Stadium when a high throw from Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson flew past first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and hit Stendel, a YES Network’s camera operator, directly in the head.
Stendel immediately grabbed his head and fell to the ground.
The game was paused for about fifteen minutes as Stendel was placed on a stretcher and carted off the field.
The cameraman raised his hand and flashed a peace sign on his way out of the stadium, serenaded by “MVP” chants.
YES Network said after the game that Stendel was conscious and undergoing tests at the hospital.
“He had a pretty bad reaction when he got hit,’’ Yankees outfielder Jake Bauers said. “Our thoughts are with him.”
Yankees manager Aaron Boone was also shaken by the scene.
“We’re definitely praying for him,’’ Boone said. “I saw pretty well right away. It was very scary.”
Stendel, who also works as a cameraman for Mets coverage on SNY and often runs behind closer Edwin Díaz during his famous “Narco” entrance, received well wishes all around the baseball world.
“If you’re a Mets fan and watch SNY regularly, I don’t need to tell you about how great Pete Stendel is,” John DeMarsico, the director of Mets games on SNY, tweeted. “He’s a living legend and HOF human being.
“Only Pete Stendel would throw up the ‘hang loose’ sign while being carted off the field,” Mets reporter Steve Gelbs tweeted. “One of the greatest, most positive dudes you will ever meet. Prayers up for a speedy recovery.
“Nobody better on this planet.”
The Yankees lost 6-3 to Baltimore on Wednesday night.
