Yankees cameraman injured by errant throw

New York Yankees logo Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Baseball world sends well-wishes to Yankees cameraman hit by errant throw

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jul 5, 2023 9:37 PM ET

A scary scene unfolded Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium when a wild throw out of play hit a cameraman in the head.

Pete Stendel of the SNY Network, the cameraman in question, has been a longtime fixture behind the lens at New York Yankees and Mets games. So, unsurprisingly, Stendel had more than his fair share of well-wishers following the unfortunate accident.

You may notice Pete Stendel is often the cameraman in the outfield you see when we sound 'em.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery!pic.twitter.com/kVXRH7u0my https://t.co/PjDKw17ZoR
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 6, 2023

Sending YES Network camera operator Pete Stendel all the best and wish him a speedy recovery.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) July 6, 2023

Pete Stendel, the YES Network cameraman hit with the baseball, is SUCH a good dude. Always smiling, so positive, so much energy.
— Brendan Kuty ‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) July 6, 2023

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.
— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs) July 6, 2023

Thinking of my friend - cameraman, Pete Stendel who was hit by an errant throw in the #Yankees game. Terrific cameraman - better person. Stay strong Pete. @YESNetwork
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) July 6, 2023

As the Yankees and Baltimore Orioles battled in the bottom of the fifth inning, an overthrown ball from O's shortstop Gunnar Henderson sailed over the glove of first baseman Ryan O'Hearn, striking Stendel in the head.

oh man hoping the cameraman is okay pic.twitter.com/SnTCVelOPf
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 6, 2023

Stendel, seated in the dugout camera well, fell backward frighteningly upon contact before immediately being attended to. The game paused for over two minutes as umpires ushered both teams to their respective sides before Stendel was taken off the field on a stretcher. As the stretcher rounded the outfield wall, Stendel threw up a peace sign to the delight of the Yankee Stadium crowd, which erupted into an "MVP" chant.

Feel better, Pete Stendel!

: @PrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/PNP9ONj1zD
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 6, 2023

From all indications, Stendel is not only a terrific camera operator but an even better man. So, here's hoping he makes a quick recovery and is back in the thick of it sooner rather than later.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

More must-reads: