Yankees game stopped after cameraman Pete Stendel hospitalized by hit in head by an errant throw

A cameraman has been hospitalized after getting hit in the head by an errant throw in worrying scenes during Wednesday’s game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.

Pete Stendel, who works for YES Network, needed to be carted off the field at Yankee Stadium but raised his hand into the air and made a peace sign, to wild cheers from the thousands of fans.

The throw came from O’s shortstop Gunnar Henderson and it sailed over 1st base – where Ryan O’Hearn tried to catch it – and it hit the cameraman at the bottom of the fifth inning.

Stendel, it was later revealed, was only filling in as the cameraman on first base and was not originally scheduled to be working. He is best known on YES Network as the cameraman in the outfield who would run alongside a player rounding the bases when they’ve hit a home run.

Soon after he was taken off the field and headed to hospital, the players took their positions again and the game resumed. Yes Network tweeted after the Yankees game that Stendel was undergoing tests.

A camera operator receives medical attention after getting hit in the head by a stray throw 

Pete Stendel, who works for YES Network, held up a peace sign as he was carted off the field

Stendel was taken to hospital for further checks after receiving attention on the field

Stendel (left, pictured working at a Mets game) appeared to be ok after huge initial concern 

The overall stoppage lasted for about 10 minutes and Yankees fans chanted ‘MVP’ as the cart made its way around 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 good to see him coherent and raising his hand going off. 

‘I saw it pretty well right away and it was very scary. I didn’t see how he fell back but I knew what was possible falling back, on top of the impact of the velocity of the ball hitting him. 

‘And then seeing him initially move – a difficult scene there and just hoping he’s okay.’

Michael Kay on the Yankees broadcast said at the time of Stendel’s peace sign. ”If you know Pete, that is so Pete. He will now get the best care possible.’

Kay added that Stendel was talking when he was being treated in the immediate aftermath. 

YES Network even tweeted the video of Stendel being driven off the field with the caption: ‘Feel better, Pete Stendel’. 

The Mets director for SnyTV tweeted of Stendel: ‘If you’re a Mets fan and watch SNY regularly, I don’t need to tell you about how great Pete Stendel is. He’s a living legend and HOF human being. Please send all your prayers, love, and positive energy to the Bronx right now.’

Stendel is best known as the outfield cameraman who would follow players round a base 

Stendel – pictured on his own website – works as an artist as well as a cameraman 

Mets field reporter for SNY Steve Gelbs added: ‘Only Pete Stendel would throw up the ‘hang loose’ sign while being carted off the field. 

‘One of the greatest, most positive dudes you will ever meet. Prayers up for a speedy recovery. Nobody better on this planet.’

Stendel is an artist based in Jersey who also works as a cameraman. 

‘Pete Stendel, an artist based at the Jersey Shore, has travelled the world as an Emmy Award-winning sports cameraman,’ his website says. ‘This multidisciplinary artist combines spirit, a great sense of color, and an eye for composition.

Stendel is quoted as saying about his art: ‘I have no agenda. I let the colors and shapes take over. I just want to create art that you’ll find something new in every time you look at it.

‘Life is an adventure and along the way I am hoping to share my art with all who appreciate it. 

‘I hope to do gallery showings and public street impromptu displays until asked to leave. 

‘My art is my life, as I spend so much time in the creative mindset whether at work in a television studio or at play in my art studio. I look forward to crossing paths. Thanks for the support.’