Umpire Hunter Wendelstedt Impacted by Foul Ball, Walks Off Field

MINNEAPOLIS — First-base umpire Hunter Wendelstedt was struck in the head by a line-drive foul ball during the seventh inning of the Minnesota Twins versus New York Mets game at Target Field on Wednesday. The incident occurred when Mets second baseman Tyrone Taylor hit a fierce shot just behind the first-base bag.

Immediately after being hit, Wendelstedt, 53, fell to the ground as Minnesota’s training staff rushed to his aid. Taylor, visibly shaken, covered his eyes while standing in the batter’s box, and several Twins players knelt in concern.

Emergency medical personnel attended to Wendelstedt for several minutes before he was able to get to his feet. He left the field under his own power, holding a towel to the side of his head as he walked alongside three trainers.

Wendelstedt is in his 27th season as an MLB umpire and has built a reputable career over 25 seasons in the major leagues. His father, Harry Wendelstedt, served as a National League umpire for over 30 years before his passing in 2012.

While Wendelstedt was attended to, the remainder of the umpiring crew continued the game using a three-umpire alignment for the final innings.

In the context of the game, the Twins went on to defeat the Mets 6-3, scoring in five consecutive innings to match their highest run total in a game since April 6. Pitcher Bailey Ober contributed to the win, continuing the Twins’ streak of solid performances on the mound.

Jeremy Hefner, who previously served as the Twins’ assistant pitching coach and now coaches for the Mets, expressed his appreciation for the passionate fan base supporting the team as they navigated the emotional moment on the field.

The incident highlights ongoing safety discussions within Major League Baseball regarding the need for additional protective measures for umpires, who currently do not wear helmets despite the risks posed by foul balls. A safety rule implemented in 2007 requires base coaches to wear helmets after a minor-league coach lost his life due to a similar incident.

Updates on Wendelstedt’s condition are expected as he undergoes further evaluation following the hit.