A camera operator who was injured by a throwing error by Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson is placed on a cart during the fifth inning of the Orioles’ baseball game against the New York Yankees on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in NY. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
NEW YORK (AP) — A cameraman was injured Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium and was taken to the hospital after a wild shot by Baltimore Orioles rookie shortstop Gunnar Henderson struck him in the head.
Positioned right next to the New York Yankees dugout on the first base side, YES Network’s Pete Stendel was hit by a rushing throw from Henderson, who fired high to first while trying to complete a double play in the fifth inning.
After the game, he DID say that Stendel was conscious and undergoing tests at the hospital. No further network updates were expected Wednesday night.
“Any time a ball goes over first baseman or even a foul ball off the batter, you don’t want to see it going towards a fan. He was just in the wrong place and I hope he’s doing well,” Henderson said after his team’s 6-3 win. “My prayers are with him. I’m thankful for the guys who ran to him to help him.”
The game was delayed about 17 minutes because Stendel was well cared for on camera by Yankees athletic training staff and medical staff. The Baltimore players walked off the field and waited on their dugout as the Yankees and Orioles, including Henderson, watched with obvious concern in a silent stadium.
“That was awful. I think I speak for all of us when I say our thoughts are with him. I hope he’s doing well and feeling better and we’ll see him here soon,” Yankees outfielder Jake Bauers said. He had a pretty bad reaction when he got hit, so it was terrifying to watch.”
Stendel was strapped to a stretcher and carried off the field, holding up and waving two fingers to loud applause from the crowd of 36,022 as he was led along the warning track behind home plate.
“It was good to see him obviously coherent and obviously raise his hand,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It was very scary. … I just hope he’s okay.”
Baltimore’s manager Brandon Hyde also said it was a scary scene that was “horrifying” to be a part of.
“He made the peace sign coming off the field, but that was hard to see and I hope he’s okay,” Hyde said.
Orioles starter Dean Kremer caught several warm-up pitches before play resumed. Henderson was charged with an error that allowed Anthony Volpe to reach second base. He scored on Kyle Higashioka’s two-out single to give New York a 2-0 lead.
After the game, Henderson was asked if he was upset.
“I’m quite well. Yeah, it sucks that it happened to her, but she’s just trying to play hardball. Sometimes that happens,” she said.
RELATED STORIES
read next
subscribe to ASK MORE to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and over 70 other titles, share up to 5 devices, listen to the news, download from 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.