If you are a sports fan living in the New York metropolitan area, you have surely seen the work of cameraman Pete Stendel. Frequently capturing footage for regional sports networks including SportsNet New York and YES Network, Stendel is one of the most experienced camera operators in the business and is widely respected by his colleagues. Baltimore Orioles second baseman Gunnar Henderson made an errant throw in the fifth inning of last Wednesday’s game against the New York Yankees that struck Stendel in the face.
Stendel was working in the camera well, many of which have minimal protection across Major League Baseball. The game was paused to attend to Stendel, who had to be stretchered off the field and ended up suffering multiple facial fractures. Fans at Yankee Stadium serenaded him with chants of “MVP,” and he was able to acknowledge them during his egress.
One of Pete’s friends, Tommy Hanlon, has started a GoFundMe page to assist Stendel in his time of need. In a message posted on the website, Hanlon said that Stendel “would give the shirt off his back to help others,” and implored people to assist if possible. Since the fundraiser was created last Thursday, it has garnered 176 donations and raised $17,319, nearing a $25,000 goal. Those interested in learning more or making a donation can click here.
New York Mets on SNY director John DeMarisco shared the fundraising link on his Twitter page along with a photo of Stendel capturing Edwin Díaz entering a game last season. Stendel, an Emmy Award-winning cameraman, frequently follows the Mets closer onto the field in the ninth inning. It is Stendel who is responsible for the unparalleled footage within his viral entrance to the song, “Narco” by Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet.
Although Díaz has been out all season after suffering a gruesome knee injury during the World Baseball Classic, Stendel has still been documenting the game from unique vantage points. In his free time, he enjoys creating art as a painter and lets “the colors and shapes take over.”
In a statement, YES Network shared that Stendel was home resting after being rushed to the hospital to receive medical treatment. The delay lasted for nearly 20 minutes and after the game, numerous players and personnel gave him his well wishes. Stendel also spoke to Henderson the next day and told him not to let it affect him in any way.
