The photograph captured a powerful moment during the July 5, 2023 Yankees baseball game, as YES camera operator Pete Stendel was stretchered off the field after sustaining an injury. In a remarkable display of resilience and spirit, the cameraman raised his right arm and flashed a peace sign to the cheering crowd as he was carried past the Orioles’ third-base dugout and along the warning track. The image stands as a testament to Pete Stendel’s strength and the unwavering support of the fans in attendance, making it one of the most memorable photographs of the 2023 MLB season.
The YES Network informed that the cameraman was diagnosed with an orbital fracture. He is at home after discharged from the hospital.
As he was being escorted off the field, camera operator Pete Stendel responded to the support from the crowd by flashing a peace sign, eliciting cheers from the Yankees fans in attendance who hailed him with chants of “MVP, MVP.” The uplifting gesture served as a poignant moment during the game.
Following the conclusion of the game, the YES Network provided an update on Stendel’s condition, stating that he was conscious and undergoing tests at the hospital. The network expressed concern for his well-being and ensured that he was receiving appropriate medical attention.
A bad throw hit Pete Stendel on his head
A frightening incident unfolded at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night when YES Network cameraman Pete Stendel, positioned in a camera pit near the first-base dugout, was struck in the head by an errant throw during the bottom of the fifth inning. The Yankees-Orioles game was immediately halted for a 17-minute delay as medical personnel attended to Pete Stendel.
The sequence leading to the incident began when Anthony Volpe hit a groundball to second base that was momentarily mishandled by Adam Frazier. In an attempt to complete a double play, Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson made a strong throw to first base, but the ball sailed over the head of Ryan O’Hearn and struck Stendel in the forearm. Pete Stendel immediately grabbed his head in pain and fell to the ground.
Yankees players seated nearby rushed to Pete Stendel’s aid, signaling for assistance. Stadium personnel swiftly arrived to assess his condition and provide necessary medical attention. The game was temporarily halted as trainers worked to stabilize Stendel on a backboard.
Despite the alarming incident, Pete Stendel remained conscious throughout the ordeal. As he was being carted off the field on a stretcher, he raised his hand and flashed a peace sign to the crowd, displaying a resilient spirit in the face of adversity.
Who is Pete Stendel
Pete Stendel, the cameraman for the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network (YES Network), hails from Long Branch, New Jersey, and has established a remarkable career in the world of production. His impressive contributions span various notable productions, including the acclaimed “Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Live in New York” in 2001.
Pete Stendel’s exceptional skills behind the camera have earned him recognition and accolades. He received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his work on “Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Live in New York” and the Super Bowl XXXV Halftime Show, featuring Aerosmith, Britney Spears, and NSYNC. These nominations specifically recognized Pete Stendel’s outstanding technical direction, camerawork, and video production for a miniseries, movie, or special.
Beyond his work with the Yankees, Pete Stendel is also involved in Mets coverage on SNY, where he serves as a roaming cameraman during Mets games. He has become well-known for capturing iconic moments, such as capturing the energetic entrances of closer Edwin Diaz accompanied by Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco.”
Following the incident at Yankee Stadium, the baseball community and Pete Stendel’s colleagues from SNY expressed their support and well-wishes for his recovery. Pete Stendel’s dedication and expertise have left an indelible mark in the world of sports production, and his contributions are greatly appreciated by those who have had the pleasure of working with him.
MLB world reacts
“It sucks that that happened to him,” Henderson said. “But it’s just trying to play the game hard, and sometimes that happens.”
“He had a pretty bad reaction when he got hit,’’ Yankees outfielder Jake Bauers said. “Our thoughts are with him.”
The Orioles tweeted. “Sending YES Network camera operator Pete Stendel all the best and wish him a speedy recovery.”
Aaron Boone said he’s “definitely praying for (Stendel).”
“It was good to see him, obviously, coherent and raising his hand going off,” Boone said. “But I saw it pretty well right away. It was very scary. I didn’t see how he fell back, but I knew what could have been possible falling back and on top of the impact from the velocity of the ball hitting him. … Difficult scene there and hoping he’s OK.”
Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo said, “I hope he’s alright. Any time a guy goes down in the field or in the stands, it’s scary.
Micahel Kay called Stendel “a terrific, terrific guy.
“MVPete,” tweeted a fan.
Another wrote: “Once he Heals he gets to throw out the first pitch and take a curtain call,” a fan wrote.
Wish Pete Stendel a speedy recovery in your comment below.
