YES Network provides update on cameraman hospitalized after errant throw in Yankees-Orioles game

An update has been provided on the YES Network camera operator that was struck in the face with a baseball during Wednesday night’s New York Yankees-Baltimore Orioles game, via the company.

“Pete Stendel is conscious and undergoing tests in the hospital after being struck in the head by a ball in tonight’s game,” the network said, via Twitter.

The throw came from Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who air-mailed a routine play at first base and Stendel — who was looking into his camera at the time of the throw — caught the ball between the eyes. Play was halted for over 15 minutes and Stendel was stretchered out.

UPDATE: Pete Stendel is conscious and undergoing tests in the hospital after being struck in the head by a ball in tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/k84iiFwteY

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 6, 2023

As he was being carted away, Stendel gave the fans at Yankee Stadium a peace sign and a thumbs up 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.

More on the Baltimore Orioles successful 2023 season

The game resumed after the scary situation, and Baltimore would end up taking the victory 6-3 over the Yankees in New York.

With the victory, 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 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.