Camera operator injured by line drive during Yankees-Angels game
A photographer in the first-base camera well was hit in the head by a foul ball off the bat of Ben Rice during Wednesday's game in Anaheim. The game was paused for about 10 minutes as trainers and paramedics attended to him, and he walked to a medical cart while wearing a neck brace. His condition was not immediately disclosed, and the Yankees led 1-0 at the time of the incident.
The incident occurred in the top of the sixth inning at Angel Stadium, with the Yankees holding a 1-0 lead. Ben Rice’s foul ball traveled at 79.5 mph into the first-base camera well, striking the photographer. Play stopped for roughly ten minutes as team trainers from both clubs and paramedics responded. The photographer was fitted with a neck brace before walking to a medical cart, pausing to shake Rice’s hand. His condition was not immediately released, and the game resumed after the delay. The Yankees’ trainer initiated the call for additional medical help, and players from both dugouts watched the treatment closely.
This episode highlights the persistent risk for photographers and other personnel positioned close to live play, even with protective netting extending down the lines. It could prompt renewed discussion about expanding safety barriers or requiring headgear in camera wells. The visible delay and the player’s concerned reaction may also raise awareness among fans about the unpredictability of foul balls, potentially influencing how venues assess spectator and worker protection. However, such incidents remain rare, and any policy changes would likely be measured and gradual.