Major League Baseball has banned two fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending any game at major league stadiums.
MLB sent a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen this week informing them of the decision.
“On October 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with the play of the game by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player,” said the letter, the contents of which were first reported by the New York Post and later obtained by the Associated Press. “Your conduct It poses a serious risk to player health and safety and goes far beyond the bounds of acceptable fan behaviour.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball is indefinitely prohibiting you from entering all MLB stadiums, offices and other facilities,” the letter read. “You are also hereby prohibited indefinitely from attending any MLB-sponsored or associated events. Please be advised that if you are discovered on any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespassing.
Fans were ejected from the game on October 29 and banned from Game 5 the following night.
Betts jumped at the retaining wall in foul territory and caught Gleyber Torres’ fly in the first inning, but a fan in the front row wearing a gray Yankees road jersey grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball out. Another fan grabbed Betts’ bare hand.
The Yankees called this behavior “outrageous and unacceptable.” The two fans banned from MLB are not season ticket holders, the team said Friday.