A scary scene unfolded at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night when a camera operator was struck in the head by an errant throw in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson attempted to complete a double play, but his throw to first base sailed over the head of Ryan O’Hearn and struck the camera operator — identified as YES Network’s Pete Stendel — who was stationed along the first-base line.
Stendel immediately clutched his head and fell backward to the ground.
Play was halted for around 15 minutes as stadium personnel rushed to check on him and immobilize him on a backboard.
Stendel raised his hand and gave a peace sign to the crowd as he was driven off.
A YES camera operator gestures to the crowd as he is carted off the field after he was injured by a bad throw to first. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Orioles second baseman Gunnar Henderson watches his overthrown ball hit a TV cameraman. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTHe was conscious and undergoing tests at a hospital, YES Network said after the Yankees lost to the Orioles, 6-3.
“He had a pretty bad reaction when he got hit,’’ Yankees outfielder Jake Bauers said. “Our thoughts are with him.”
Players from both teams left the field as an emergency vehicle was driven in from beyond the outfield while the Yankees’ training staff tended to Stendel, with players looking on.
The cameraman, identified as YES’ Pete Stendel, was taken off on a stretcher. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Fans at Yankee Stadium cheered for Stendel as he was carted off. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST“We’re definitely praying for him,’’ manager Aaron Boone said. “I saw pretty well right away.
“It was very scary.”
