The YES Network cameraman hit by an errant throw during the Yankeees’ game Wednesday night against the Orioles suffered an orbital fracture, the network announced Thursday.
The cameraman, Pete Stendel, was out of the hospital and recovering at home Thursday after undergoing tests.
“He and his family appreciate everyone’s support,’’ the YES Network said in a statement.
Stendel suffered the injury during the fifth inning, after Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson threw wildly to first base. The ball sailed high over first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and into the camera well next to the Yankees dugout, where Stendel was stationed.
Both Henderson and Yankees manager Aaron Boone spoke to Stendel on the phone Thursday following his release from the hospital.
“He sounded great,’’ Boone said. “He was in good spirits. Hopefully he’s on the road to recovery.”
Boone said he’d “come across” Stendel at the Stadium and called the incident “a very scary situation.”
“It freaked me out a little bit in real time,’’ Boone said. “It seems like he’s making a full recovery, which is encouraging. I was glad to speak to him.”
As Stendel was carted off the field, he drew an ovation from the crowd, then raised his arm and flashed a peace sign and another hand gesture.
Stendel, who also works as a cameraman for Mets coverage on SNY and often ran behind closer Edwin Diaz during his famous “Narco” entrance, received well-wishes from all around the baseball world.
“If you’re a Mets fan and watch SNY regularly, I don’t need to tell you about how great Pete Stendel is,” John DeMarsico, the director of Mets games on SNY, tweeted. “He’s a living legend and HOF human being.”
“Only Pete Stendel would throw up the ‘hang loose’ sign while being carted off the field,” SNY’s Mets field reporter Steve Gelbs tweeted. “One of the greatest, most positive dudes you will ever meet. Prayers up for a speedy recovery.
“Nobody better on this planet.”
