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 ballpark.
During the first inning of Game 4, Betts attempted make a catch in right-field foul territory at Yankee Stadium. He reached over the wall into the first row of seats and caught the fly ball.
However, two fans sitting along the wall then tried to take the ball from Betts’ glove, apparently believing that would prevent the out. One of the fans was shown on camera trying to pull Betts’ glove open 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. Umpires called fan interference and awarded Betts the out.
“Well, A for effort.”
Fan interference was called on this play where a Yankee fan tried to take 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 ejected from Yankee Stadium and banned from attending Game 5 at the ballpark. Now, that ban will apply to stadiums across MLB.
Capobianco and Hansen were in the seats of a season-ticket holder, one who has had those 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 conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior,” said a letter written by MLB to the fans, via The Athletic.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball (‘MLB’) is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities,” the letter continued. “You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please be advised that if you are discovered at any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespass.”
Betts likely won’t object to the ban. After the game, he told reporters, “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
Commenting about the incident two months after the World Series, the Dodgers star told comedians Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson on a Peacock holiday special that he would say “f*** you guys” to the two fans for grabbing him.
