The cameraman who was hospitalized after being hit in the head by a missed baseball pitch is now resting at home after suffering an orbital fracture.
Pete Stendel, who works for the YES Network, needed to be carried off the field during the game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Network provided an update on his health on Thursday afternoon, revealing that he has been released from hospital after suffering a fracture.
“He and his family appreciate everyone’s support,” the online statement continued.
The troubling scenes came after O’s shortstop Gunnar Henderson’s loose throw went over first base, where Ryan O’Hearn tried to catch it, and hit the cameraman in the bottom of the fifth inning.
A camera operator receives medical attention after receiving a blow to the head from a stray shot
Pete Stendel (left, pictured working at a Mets game) is now resting at home after the hit
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Stendel, as later revealed by YES, was filling in for the cameraman at first base and was not originally planned to be there.
He is best known on YES as the outfield cameraman who runs alongside a player who is walking the bases when he hits a home run.
Shortly after he was carried off the field and taken to the hospital, the players resumed their positions and play resumed.
YES Network tweeted after the Yankees game that Stendel, who raised his hand in the air and made a peace sign to the cheers of thousands of fans as he was led away, was undergoing tests.
The general walkout lasted about 15 minutes and Yankee fans chanted ‘MVP’ as the cart rolled through the outfield.
Speaking after the game, which the Orioles won 6-3, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said: ‘Very scary. Definitely praying for him. It was nice to see him coherent and raising his hand to leave.
“I saw it pretty good right away and it was very scary. I didn’t see how he fell backwards, but I knew what was possible to fall backwards, other than the impact of the speed of the ball that hit him.
“And then seeing him move initially, a difficult scene there and just hoping he’s okay.”
Stendel, who works for the YES Network, held up a peace sign as he was led off the field.
Stendel was taken to hospital for further checks after receiving care in the field.
Stendel, pictured on his own website, works as an artist and videographer.
Yankees outfielder Jake Bauers added: “He had a pretty bad reaction when he got hit. Our thoughts are with him.
After the Mets beat the Diamondbacks on Wednesday night, manager Buck Showalter added: ‘We want to send our prayers to Pete Stendell. They beat him tonight. Everyone is praying for him, with the best hope. I know he gave a thumbs up on the way out.
“He’s always there doing whatever it takes to give the fans what they want to see, but we’re eagerly awaiting news on how he’s doing.”
Michael Kay on the Yankees broadcast said at the time of Stendel’s peace sign. ‘If you know Pete, that’s so Pete. He will now receive the best care possible.
Kay added that Stendel was speaking when he was treated immediately afterwards.
YES Network even tweeted the video of Stendel being thrown off the field with the caption: “Feel better Pete Stendel.”
The Mets director for SNYTV tweeted about Stendel: “If you’re a Mets fan and watch SNY regularly, I don’t need to tell you how great Pete Stendel is.” He is a living legend and a HOF human being. May he send all of his prayers, love and positive energy to the Bronx right now.”
Stendel is best known as the field cameraman who followed players around a base.
Mets field reporter for SNY Steve Gelbs added: “Only Pete Stendel would throw up the ‘hang’ sign while being carried off the field.”
‘One of the biggest and most positive guys you will ever meet. Prayers for a speedy recovery. Nobody better on this planet.
Stendel is a Jersey-based artist who also works as a videographer.
“Pete Stendel, an artist living on the Jersey shore, has traveled the world as an Emmy Award-winning sports videographer,” his website says. ‘This multidisciplinary artist combines spirit, a great sense of color and an eye for composition.’
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