MLB fans have been left disappointed after finding out the punishment that has been given to the New York Yankees fans involved in an ugly interaction during a recent game.
The startling scene unfolded during Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night when two New York Yankees fans allegedly interfered with Dodgers star Mookie Betts, sparking widespread backlash.
The incident occurred in the first inning, with the Yankees trailing the Dodgers 2-0. Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres launched a fly ball toward right field, prompting Betts to position himself for a routine catch.
However, as Betts reached over the wall to complete the play, two Yankees fans got up from the stands, disrupting his attempt by grabbing him by the wrist.
According to eyewitnesses, one fan — wearing a Mariano Rivera jersey — reportedly grabbed Betts’ glove, while another, in an Aaron Judge jersey, held onto Betts' wrist, preventing him from moving freely.
The interference resulted in Torres being called out, and the two fans were promptly escorted from the stadium amid loud boos.
As security removed the two men from the stadium, they were seen exchanging high-fives with other Yankees fans.
ESPN identified one of the fans as Yankees season-ticket holder Austin Capobianco, who had attended the game with a friend.
The pair allegedly discussed in advance how they might react if a ball came near them, saying: “We always joke about the ball in our area.
"We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
The Yankees issued a statement regarding the incident, revealing the punishment the men will face.
It read: “Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts.
“The safety and security of players, fans and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.
“Tonight marks the final home game of the year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity; however, the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
“The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”
The Yankees confirmed that the fans could not attend Game 5, per MLB.
In a statement, the Yankees further announced that the fans’ tickets for Game 5, along with additional tickets in the same section, had been reallocated to a 15-year-old pediatric cancer patient and his family.
Calvin Young, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, attended the game with his mother and two brothers, marking the family’s first postseason experience at Yankee Stadium.
Young was previously invited to a Yankees “Kids Only” press conference on September 13, featuring MLB stars Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Rizzo, Jose Trevino, and Marcus Stroman.
However, due to illness, Young was unable to attend, requiring hospitalization and surgery soon after.
Fans have expressed their disappointment that the two fans were not given a harsher punishment for potentially putting Betts at risk of injury with their actions.
One wrote: "That baseball player could have sustained major injuries. These guys should be prosecuted for assault if nothing else. It is easy to injury one wrists."
Others added: "They should be banned for life and charges would be filed . They could have broken his wrist," and: "What an insult. That is the type of fan that should never be [allowed] in the crowd. They could have ruined his career. It was violent."
Another commented: "That's terrible. They need to banned for life...how is what they did remotely tolerable?"
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