YES cameraman Pete Stendel gets well wishes after ‘scary’ Yankee Stadium scene: ‘Living legend’
The baseball world showed their appreciation to YES Network cameraman Pete Stendel.
The camera operator was struck in the head by an errant throw from the Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson and was carted off the field on a stretcher during the bottom of the fifth inning during the Yankees’ 6-3 loss in The Bronx on Wednesday night.
Play was halted for about 15 minutes before Stendel was taken off the field.
He was conscious and undergoing tests at a hospital, YES Network said after the game.
Stendel, who also works as a cameraman for Mets coverage on SNY, received well wishes from those who know and work with him in Queens.
Stendel works a roaming camera during Mets games and was most notably often running behind closer Edwin Diaz last year during his iconic entrances to Timmy Trumpet’s “Narco,” according to SNY.
John DeMarsico — the director for Mets games on SNY — tweeted his gratitude toward the “great” Stendel.
“If you’re a Mets fan and watch SNY regularly, I don’t need to tell you about how great Pete Stendel is,” DeMarsico tweeted. “He’s a living legend and HOF human being.
“Please send all your prayers, love, and positive energy to the Bronx right now.”
Stendel, who raised his hand and gave a peace symbol when he was driven off the playing field at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, received some love from Mets field reporter Steve Gelbs.
“Only Pete Stendel would throw up the ‘hang loose’ sign while being carted off the field,” Gelbs tweeted. “One of the greatest, most positive dudes you will ever meet. Prayers up for a speedy recovery.
“Nobody better on this planet.”
Yankees WFAN broadcaster Justin Shackil also echoed the sentiment of his fellow media members, calling Stendel “excellent at what he does.”
The Orioles also extended their best to Stendel on their Twitter account.
“Sending YES Network camera operator Pete Stendel all the best and wish him a speedy recovery,” the team tweeted.
The Yankees’ Jake Bauers after the game also spoke to reporters about the terrifying incident and gave his best to Stendel.
“That was scary,” Bauers said. “I think I speak for all of us when I say our thoughts are with him, I hope he’s doing alright.”
