Two New York Yankees fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series have been banned from MLB games and all MLB facilities indefinitely.
Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen received a letter from Major League Baseball earlier this week notifying them of their lifetime bans, first reported New York Post.
“On October 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with the game by intentionally and violently grabbing a player,” the letter read, according to MLB.com. “Your behavior posed a serious risk to the health and safety of players and went far beyond the bounds of acceptable fan behaviour.”
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball (‘MLB’) bans you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices and other facilities. You are also hereby banned indefinitely from all events sponsored by or associated with MLB, ” the letter continues. “Please note that if you are discovered on any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespassing.”
Mookie Betts October 29, 2024
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During a game on October 29, Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres hit a deep foul ball to right field. Betts, 32, ran to try to catch the ball, but Capobianco and Hansen reached over the fence to stop him from playing. One of them appeared to be trying to get the ball out of Betts’ glove, while the other grabbed Betts’ bare right hand.
Both were ejected from the game and their tickets for the fifth game were cancelled.
In a statement after the game, the Yankees called the actions of Capobianco and Hansen “outrageous and unacceptable physical contact” with Betts.
“The safety and security of players, fans and stadium staff is a fundamental element of any event held at Yankee Stadium and cannot be compromised,” the team said.
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Mookie Betts October 29, 2024
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Capobianco and Hansen sat in seats held by a longtime Yankees season ticket holder, who was unable to attend the game. Season ticket holders will keep their tickets, according to MLB.com.
Although the Yankees won Game 4 of the World Series, the Dodgers won Game 5 the following night to win the franchise’s eighth championship.
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