‘Awful to watch’: Gunnar Henderson’s errant throw strikes cameraman in head in Orioles’ game vs. Yankees

NEW YORK — The Orioles’ game Wednesday night against the New York Yankees was delayed for about 17 minutes in the bottom of the fifth inning after an errant throw to first base sailed into the camera well and struck a YES Network cameraman.

With one out and a runner on first, Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe hit a ground ball to second base, where Baltimore’s Adam Frazier bobbled the ball and flipped it to shortstop Gunnar Henderson for the out at second. Hurrying in an effort to get Volpe, Henderson sailed his throw to first, going above first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and striking Pete Stendel in the head. The game was paused as medical professionals tended to Stendel, with players eventually returning to the dugout as he was placed on a backboard and carted off the field.

While being driven off the field, Stendel raised an arm to the crowd, giving the peace sign and other gestures as fans cheered.

YES Network tweeted around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday that Stendel was conscious and undergoing tests in a hospital. The network later announced Thursday afternoon that he suffered an orbital fracture and is home resting.

“He and his family appreciate everyone’s support,” YES Network tweeted.

After the game, manager Brandon Hyde opened his postgame media session with thoughts for Stendel.

“Let’s first hope that that cameraman in that camera well there was OK,” Hyde said. “That was a scary moment. Gave the peace sign coming off the field, but that was tough to watch, and hopefully, he’s OK.

“It was awful to watch and awful to be a part of and just hope that he’s OK.”

Henderson, a 21-year-old rookie, also expressed concern.

“Every time that a ball goes over the first baseman or even a foul ball from the hitter, you don’t want to see it going towards a fan,” Henderson said. “Just happened to be in the wrong spot. I hope he’s doing all right. My prayers go out to him and just thankful for the guys that rushed over there to him to help him in aid.”

Asked about his own emotional state, Henderson said he was “doing pretty fine.”

“It sucks that that happened to him,” Henderson said. “But it’s just trying to play the game hard, and sometimes, that happens.”

Baltimore was down 1-0 at the time of the delay, and when play resumed with Volpe at second after the error, Kyle Higashioka singled to score him. The Orioles rallied for four runs in the next half inning, with No. 2 prospect Colton Cowser’s first major league hit providing their first run, and went on to win 6-3.