Well before the Los Angeles Dodgers saw the New York Yankees come to life in a Game 4 win on Tuesday night, Mookie Betts was subjected to being grabbed by two fans as he attempted to make a catch in the first inning.
Betts’ leaping attempt in foul territory resulted in his left arm being stretched into the stands. He initially came up with the fly ball off Gleyber Torres’ bat, but Austin Capobianco grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and ripped the ball out.
Capobianco, a Yankees season ticket holder, was accompanied by his friend, John Peter, who grabbed Betts’ right hand during the process. An out was immediately called right-field umpire Mark Carlson on the basis of fan interference.
Both fans were immediately ejected from Yankee Stadium but claimed they informed that they could return for Game 5. According to Jesse Rogers of ESPN, that may no longer be the case as MLB requested the Yankees ban the two fans:
News: MLB has asked the Yankees to ban the two fans who interfered in Game 4 from tonight’s game. They will be refunded for their tickets, per a source.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 30, 2024
It’s not yet clear if a ban for the Yankees fans only applies to the team’s last World Series home game of the year or moving forward as well.
ESPN’s initial reporting on the incident and disorderly fans included quotes that detailed their inexplicable mindset of having perfect reason to behave the way they did.
As the scene unfolded in live time, the fans could be seen arguing Betts reached into the stands, and not that they reached over into the field of play.
Mookie Betts downplays fan interference
Following the loss, Betts and the Dodgers collectively did not give much attention to the incident.
Betts said it was “irrelevant” and mentioned not being aware at the time he was grabbed.
“When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter,” Betts added. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game and that’s what I’m kind of focused on.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts added, “I thought he had a beat on it, fan got in the way, and the umpires got it right.”
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