Cameraman hit by errant throw during Orioles-Yankees game

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson air-mailed a throw to first base during Wednesday’s 6-3 win over the New York Yankees on the road. His routine throw sailed over Ryan O’Hearn’s head and hit a TV camera operator squarely in the face.

The game was delayed for over 10 minutes while medical attention was given to Pete Stendel, a YES Network cameraman, who was reported to be conscious and moving. Though, he was in some obvious pain.

The former Auburn star’s accidental over-throw looked to hit Stendel directly between the eyes. On the bright side, no camera was hurt while making this video.

oh man hoping the cameraman is okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/SnTCVelOPf

— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 6, 2023

In true heroic fashion, the cameraman was taken away on a mobile stretcher and before he was taken away presumedly to the hospital, gave the fans at Yankee Stadium a peace sign to show that he was alright. The fans loved it and chanted ‘MVP’ at the poor, injured camera operator.

“If you know Pete, that’s so Pete,” Yankees play-by-play announcer John Sterling said as he was being carted away.

Henderson wouldn’t have a more accurate throw on the night and didn’t see much success at the plate, either. He went 1-for-5 against Yankees pitching, having singled to right in the third inning. The sloppy performance brings his batting average this season down to .237, down from the .259 he finished his rookie season with. Though, Henderson only played 34 games in Baltimore last season as a rookie and is 75 games into his second year in the big leagues.

Despite Henderson’s struggles, the Orioles continued their euphoric season with their 50th win of the season. Sitting at 50-35 overall, Baltimore has the unfortunate fate of sharing the American League East with the 57-win Tampa Bay Rays — an MLB best.

Still, Baltimore plays in the most competitive division in the MLB. All five teams sit above .500 overall, yet at least two of them, probably three, won’t earn a shot in the wild-card round. The Orioles are in prime position to comfortably find themselves in the playoff race but with the way the Rays have played all season and then Baltimore sitting 5.0 games back from first place — it could be too much to overcome now that we’re in July.

With the Orioles being one of the first six teams to crack 50 wins in the MLB this season — they’re 33 games away from tying last season’s win total mark of 83. They have 77 games to tie that feat — but who’s to say Baltimore won’t go for 100 wins this season.

Given that Baltimore finished 16.0 games back in the division from the Yankees in first place last year, triple-digit wins seemed out of the question before this season. Instead, the Orioles are proving on a nightly basis why they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Just ask Pete Stendel.