One night before the Los Angeles Dodgers won their eighth World Series title in franchise history, Mookie Betts found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy with two New York Yankees fans.
It started in the bottom of the first inning when Betts attempted to make a leaping catch in foul territory off the right field line. Two fans, identified as Austin Capobianco and John Peter, interfered with him.
Capobianco grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball out as Peter grabbed his right hand. Their actions bordered on assault more than just the fan interference that was called.
During an appearance on “2024 Back That Year Up” with Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson, Betts shared some expletives on the Peacock stream when asked for his true feelings regarding the incident:
“I would really say, [expletive] you guys. I get them trying to get the ball. Cool. But, like, you tried to grab my [expletive]. I was in the moment, so I thought about throwing a ball at ‘em. And then I realized, ‘Mook, you ain’t going to do [expletive]. You ain’t going to do [expletive]. Go back to right field.’”
Betts has been asked multiple times about his perspective on the exchange, and he initially downplayed it following the Dodgers’ loss in Game 4.
But when speaking to former Boston Red Sox teammate and close friend David Ortiz on the Fox Sports set after the Dodgers won the World Series, he admitted to feeling some aggression toward the two Yankees fans.
“That was really wild. I have never experienced anything like that. I was telling my wife that was like the second time in my life I’ve ever wanted to fight someone,” Betts said.
The fans were then ejected from Yankee Stadium and banned from returning for Game 5. The Yankees originally planned on letting them come back, but MLB requested that they do not be permitted to attend.
Mookie Betts friends with Kevin Hart
Prior to reflecting on being grabbed by the fans, Betts endured some friendly ribbing from Hart due to a pickleball match not taking place.
Hart revealed Betts agreed to play against him but failed to show up the following morning. Betts, who is notoriously competitive, has previously bowled against the likes of Nelly and other celebrities and entertainers.
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