The two New York Yankees fans who became infamous figures for interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts in Game 4 of the 2024 World Series have been banned indefinitely from attending games at many Major League Baseball ballparks .
During the first inning of Game 4, Betts attempted a catch in foul territory in right field at Yankee Stadium. He reached over the wall to the front row of seats and caught the fly ball.
However, two fans who were on the ball then tried to grab the ball from Betts’ glove, apparently believing this would prevent the clean sheet. One of the fans was seen on camera trying to pull open Betts’ glove to get the ball, while the other grabbed the outfielder’s wrist to prevent him from pulling the glove and ball back into the field of play . Referees cited fan interference and awarded Betts a clean sheet.
“Well, A for effort.”
There was fan interference on this play with a Yankee fan trying to get the ball out of Mookie Betts’ glove after an out. pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2024
The two fans, Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen, were kicked out of Yankee Stadium and were not allowed to attend Game 5 at the ballpark. Now that ban will apply to stadiums across the MLB.
Capobianco and Hansen sat in the seat of a season ticket holder, someone who has had these tickets since 1990. The original holder of the season tickets will be allowed to keep them and supports the decision to ban the two fans from Yankee Stadium and the other 29 MLB ballparks, according to the New York Post.
“Your behavior posed a serious risk to player health and safety and went far beyond the boundaries of acceptable fan behavior,” the spokesperson said. said a letter written by MLB to fans, via The Athletics.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball (“MLB”) indefinitely prohibits you from entering all MLB stadiums, offices and other facilities,” the letter continued. “You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please note that if you are discovered on any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and arrested for trespassing.”
Betts is unlikely to object to the ban. After the match he told reporters: “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Commenting on the incident two months after the World Series, the Dodgers star told comedians Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson during a Peacock holiday special that he would say “f*** you guys” to the two fans for catching him .
