Brad Weimer/Houma Courier and Thibodaux Daily Comet correspondent / USA TODAY NETWORK

MLB Announcer Hospitalized After Scary Fall

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 5:15 PM ET

An MLB announcer was hospitalized with several cracked bones and a concussion after a 25-foot fall earlier this week.

Taking to X on Friday, Baltimore Orioles announcer Ben McDonald revealed that he suffered a concussion and two cracked vertebrae after falling 25 feet from a deer stand. McDonald said that he's fine now and appreciates everyone who has reached out to him. He also pledged to be back to calling games for the Orioles as soon as possible.

"This is what a severe concussion looks like and sounds like!‍♂️ (I still don’t remember anything) Apparently I fell out of a deer stand 25 feet up yesterday morning….I’m fine and appreciate everyone checking on me. Very lucky….concussion and 2 cracked vertebra’s….I’ll be back in #Birdland soon calling @Orioles games! Thank you for all ur thoughts and and thank you to the Doctors! See yall soon!" McDonald wrote, sharing a video from the hospital.

This is what a severe concussion looks like and sounds like!‍♂️ (I still don’t remember anything) Apparently I fell out of a deer stand 25 feet up yesterday morning….I’m fine and appreciate everyone checking on me. Very lucky….concussion and 2 cracked vertebra’s….I’ll be back… pic.twitter.com/uvczgV1uOq
— Ben McDonald (@realbenmcdonald) July 19, 2025

The Orioles, Orioles fans and many others have sent their well-wishes to McDonald as he continues recovering:

"I hope you are feeling better! Should we wrap you in bubble wrap whenever you go on your adventures?" one user wrote on X.

"Wishing you a speedy recovery," the Orioles' official account responded.

"Fell 25 feet off my deck 4 years ago, concussed, broke 2 vertebrae, and a couple of ribs. I was on a plane the next day, miracles happen, might be to something bigger than us idea. Cheers!" a third wrote.

"Man Ben that’s sucks brother, sorry to hear that. Best wishes man and praying no lingering effects for you. Happy your okay."

"Damn man glad you’re gonna be okay. I’m gonna replace all my straps soon because of this. A lot cheaper just to do that! I don’t even hunt out of lock ons any more though, ladder stands only."

BALTIMORE - APRIL 09: The Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays line up for the National Anthem on Opening Day at Camden Yards on April 9, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

McDonald was the first-overall selection of the 1989 June draft by the Orioles following a Hall of Fame career at LSU. He went on to play seven seasons in Baltimore and another two with the Milwaukee Brewers,

Since retiring he has worked as a baseball color commentator for both the Orioles on MASN for the Orioles Radio Network and for ESPN's coverage of the NCAA Tournament. He also previously worked as an assistant coach for the Denham Springs High School softball team.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: