Mike Cameron and Carlos Beltran sprinted toward the sinking liner, both outfielders watching the ball and diving toward the same spot.
They didn't see each other and smashed face-to-face in what many of their New York teammates said was one of the scariest collisions they've ever seen. The Mets who ran to the fallen pair during the seventh inning of the 2-1 loss to the Padres on Thursday in San Diego said Cameron was dazed and bleeding from the mouth.
Cameron was taken off the field on a stretcher, his body immobilized and his neck in a brace. He was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he underwent two CT scans. Cameron broke his nose, had multiple fractures of both cheekbones and a slight concussion, and was to be hospitalized overnight, Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said. Cameron was placed on the disabled list.
Beltran had a sore left shoulder and a cut near his left temple. He was to have a CT scan and then possibly head to Los Angeles to rejoin the Mets, who open a series against the Dodgers tonight.
"I don't remember anything of what happened," Beltran said. "I don't remember how it happened, I know we got hit. I feel like I got hit by a train."
Beltran said he felt lucky.
"Of course, after a collision like that, I feel good that I'm OK. My shoulder feels sore, but I'll be fine."
Cameron was fully extended diving for David Ross' liner when he and Beltran collided, falling into a heap. The game was delayed for about 13 minutes as the players were tended to by trainers from both teams, then paramedics.