If it wasn’t for bad luck, Pete Stendel wouldn’t have any luck at all.
But it’s doubtful he sees it that way.
The YES Network cameraman is having a “tough” recovery from his beaning last month at Yankee Stadium, according to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, who also reports Stendel is healing up from surgery for prostate cancer.
On July 5, the Yankees were hosting the Orioles when Baltimore shortstop Gunnar Henderson airmailed a throw to first base in the fifth inning and hit Stendel in the head.
The 68-year-old Stendel grabbed his head and fell backward, with play stopping for 15 minutes for medical personnel to assist.
Stendel left Yankee Stadium on a backboard, raising a hand to give a peace sign as the cart drove off the field.
The next day, YES Nework announced Stendel suffered an orbital fracture and a concussion.
According to Kuty, Stendel didn’t require surgery but still has vision problems, including “psychedelic little bubbles, little flashes of light” coming through his left eye.
Kuty also reports Stendel was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in January.
But a month later the cancer turned “aggressive,” prompting the father of two to opt to remove his prostate rather than go through radiation or chemotherapy.
Stendel was scheduled for surgery on July 24 and despite the eye injury, was able to go ahead with the operation.
A GoFundMe has been set up by a friend to help Stendel, who works as a freelancer, handle the mounting medical costs.
The fund’s goal is $25,000, but as of Monday, 305 contributions totaling more than $30,000 have been recorded.
According to Kuty, Stendel believes he’s a “really lucky guy.”
“I beat cancer,” he said. “And I didn’t lose my vision.”