Two fans of the New York Yankees have been banned from all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums after interfering with Mookie Betts during the World Series, CBS reported Friday.
The fans, John P. Hansen and Austin Capobianco are banned “indefinitely” and are not allowed to attend any future MLB games, a notice from a legal official stated, according to CBS News. The pair was ejected during Game 4 of the World Series where the Yankees went up against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Yankee Stadium. During the game the fans ripped a ball from the outfielder’s glove and grabbed Betts’ wrist when he reached into the stands attempting to catch a fly ball.
“On October 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player,” a league official wrote to the fans, CBS reported. “Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior.”
Talk about fan interference.
After Mookie Betts caught a foul ball, a Yankees fan tried to take his glove off, and then when that failed, he then pries the baseball out of it like it wasn’t obvious.
Because New York. pic.twitter.com/n14Q6veK3o
— Andrew Powell (@AndrewPow3ll) October 30, 2024
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball (“MLB”) is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities. You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB,” the statement continued. (RELATED: Yankees Fan Literally Takes Ball From Mookie Betts After Failing To Rip Entire Glove Off).
The fans were advised that if they were spotted at any MLB event or property they would be removed and subject to arrest for trespass.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Fans Austin Capobianco (L) and John Peter (R) interfere with Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as he attempts to catch a fly ball in foul territory during the first inning of Game Four of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The play resulted in an out. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Officials ruled the play as fan interference and the out was still recorded, the outlet reported. The game went on to be the Yankees’ sole win the World Series and the Dodgers clinched the win the next day during Game 5.
Capobianco and Hansen were not allowed back for Game 5, CBS News previously reported.
“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,” the Yankees said in a statement, according to CBS. “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.”
Capobianco and Hansen’s tickets for Game 5 were redistributed to a 15-year-old cancer patient and his family, according to MLB.com.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
