For disturbing and interfering with LA Dodgers’ Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series, the New York Yankees and Major League Baseball have now banned two fans from attending Game 5.
It all started when Betts leaped to make a catch along the right-field line, snaring a foul ball hit by Gleyber Torres of the Yankees. As he secured the catch, two fans in the front row—Austin Capobianco and John Peter, as reported by ESPN—reached over in an attempt to wrest the ball from Betts’ glove. A fan grabbed one of Betts’ hands with both hands, while the other fan held his other hand.
The Yankees issued a statement denouncing the fans’ behavior, calling it “egregious and unacceptable.” The organization also stated that the safety of both players and fans is the top priority and “cannot be compromised.” They added, “Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.”
After their stunt, Capobianco, who was escorted out of the premises along with the other fan, revealed to ESPN that he and Peter had previously discussed how they would react if a foul ball came their way. “We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco said. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.”
The ban applies specifically to Game 5. Capobianco expressed hope for a short-term ban, stating, “We don’t want to lose the season tickets.” The Yankees refunded the cost of the Game 5 tickets to Capobianco and warned him of potential arrest if he attempted to attend.
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is closely monitoring the situation. MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark stated, “We will be closely tracking both the response to that incident and the protective measures taken going forward.”
Mookie Betts, for his part, downplayed the incident after the game, focusing instead on the Dodgers’ loss. “When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool.”
