MLB Umpire Hospitalized In Minneapolis After Taking Line Drive To Head

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Veteran umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was hospitalized Wednesday after being struck in the face by a line-drive foul ball at Target Field during the Minnesota Twins' game against the New York Mets.

Crew chief Todd Tichenor said Wendelstedt, 58, was coherent and speaking but was undergoing concussion protocol.

"We are encouraged that he was in good spirits when he was in touch with our medical staff,” the MLB said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor his status."

The incident spooked everyone on the field, as New York Mets batter Tyrone Taylor and Minnesota Twins pitcher Louie Varland visibly winced after seeing the ball strike Wendelstedt, a 28-year veteran umpire.

"It happened so fast," Twins first baseman Ty France said. "Just praying for a speedy recovery for him because you never want to see something like that happen."

“I would like to wish him the best and say we’re all thinking about him,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. "I was glad to see him walk off the field under his own power. That was better than the alternative. We hope he’s OK."

Major League Baseball has required base coaches to wear helmets since 2008, one year after Mike Coolbaugh was killed by a line drive while coaching first base in a minor league game for a Texas Rangers affiliate.

Despite Wednesday’s scare, Tichenor said he didn’t believe umpires needed to start wearing helmets.

"This one was just 100 mph off the bat. We’re taught to go opposite the ball. He just went into the ball. It happens. We all do it," Tichenor said. "It just doesn’t hit him in the head usually."

Reporting from the Assocaited Press was used in this story.