A New York Yankees broadcaster was hit in the face by foul ball coming at him at a considerable pace with the moment being caught on camera.
The long-time Yankees play-by-play caller John Sterling was left bloodied by the rogue ball on Saturday win over the Boston Red Sox. In the ninth innings, Red Sox third baseman and All-Star Justin Turner's hit flew off the bat into the foul zone which travelled at pace towards Sterling.
The announcer had seen it coming, but did not think it would reach him before the ball can be seen flying at his face and hitting him. On the call, Sterling had said: "Now the 3-2 (pitch), swung on, a pop foul back here."
At that point, Sterling broke out of his usual commentary tone as the ball flew straight into him while he was sat in the booth. Sterling exclaimed: "Ow, ow, ow, it really hit me! I didn't know it was coming back that far."
The 82-year-old was able to see out the broadcast, with the Yankees winning the game just a few minutes later, as he closed the show with: "Ballgame over. Yankees win. The Yankees win."
Sterling had been back on the microphone the following day, as he was given the ball that struck him in the face which had been signed with an apology from the hitter, Turner.
Speaking after the hit, Sterling said: "First of all, to all the Yankees fans, I am fine. It hit me in the head, but I've got a lot of muscle up there so I was okay. I thank you for all the warm, wonderful, loving thoughts. But anyway, I'm fine!
"It produced phone calls and texts from all the people who love me, so it really turned out to be a very good thing. But I'm 100 percent, no problem."
Sterling had been on the call to see the Yankees throw away the series to their most bitter rival in the Boston Red Sox, with second baseman Gleyber Torres making an outrageous blunder which lead to the loss.
In a lapse of concentration, Torres stuck up a lackadaisical arm from the throw from left field, but missed the ball and allowed the Sox to get on base, leading to the score which won the game.
