A frightening moment occurred during the sixth inning of the New York Yankees’ 6-3 extra-inning victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday when a photographer sustained a head injury from a foul ball. The incident took place at Angel Stadium.
The photographer was positioned in the camera well on the first-base side when Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice hit a foul slider from Angels pitcher Reid Detmers. The ball, traveling at 79.5 mph off the bat, entered the camera well. Rice, according to reports, showed immediate concern upon seeing the impact.
The Yankees' medical staff responded quickly, with Mike Schuck, director of sports medicine and rehab, entering the well to assess the photographer. Head trainer Tim Lentych called for a medical cart. The game was paused for approximately 10 minutes as personnel attended to the injured photographer. The crowd observed in silence.
Rice left the batter's box to watch the medical staff work. The photographer, fitted with a neck brace, was able to walk to the cart. Before returning to his at-bat, Rice met the photographer and shook his hand.
An Angels spokesperson confirmed through the photographer's outlet that he was conscious and receiving medical attention, according to the New York Post.
"Very relieved," Rice stated after the game, as reported by the New York Post. "I saw it, he definitely was not ready for any kind of impact there, he was looking the other direction."
He added, "I wasn’t sure how square it hit him in the head, but definitely a scary scene, so happy to hear he’s OK."
Following the delay, Detmers retired Rice on a fly ball to center field to conclude the at-bat. Rice recorded two hits and an RBI in five plate appearances during the Yankees' win.