Photographer Hit in Head by Foul Ball at Yankees-Angels Game

In a Major League Baseball matchup between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, photographer Steven Park was hit in the head by a foul ball. This incident happened during the top of the sixth inning when Yankees first baseman Ben Rice sent a 79.5 mph line drive into the camera well. Park, who is employed by The Sporting Tribune, was struck directly in the head. Yankees players and trainer Tim Lentych quickly rushed to assist him, and he managed to walk to a medical cart while wearing a precautionary neck brace. The Angels later confirmed that Park was doing fine. Rice, visibly shaken, checked on Park and expressed relief, acknowledging the frightening nature of the incident. While it’s not uncommon for photographers to be hit by foul balls, direct head impacts are unusual since camera lenses typically absorb the force. Although the camera well provides excellent views, it poses risks due to the velocity of foul balls. Park is recognized as a skilled sports photographer, and the outcome could have been much worse.