MLB issues indefinite ban on two Yankees fans for interfering in World Series play
Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning of World Series Game 4. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
The two Yankees fans who aggressively interfered with Dodgers rightfielder Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series in October were quickly ejected from Yankee Stadium that night.
They’ve stayed ejected.
Earlier this week, Major League Baseball sent the two fans, Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen, a letter stating they have been “banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB.”
In the letter, a copy of which was provided to Newsday by a source, the league told the fans:
“On Oct. 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player. Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior . . .
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball 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.
“Please be advised that if you are discovered at any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespass.”
Hansen could not be reached Friday and Capobianco did not respond to a text seeking comment.
The Yankees had no official comment Friday, instead referring to the organization’s first comments in the hours after the incident. In that statement, the Yankees used the phrase “egregious and unacceptable” to describe what occurred.
The incident took place in the bottom of the first inning of Game 4 — which the Yankees won, 11-4 — when Betts jumped and caught Gleyber Torres’ fly ball in foul territory at the rightfield wall.
As the leaping Betts’ closed glove hovered above the wall, one fan secured Betts’ right hand while the other secured his glove with both of his hands and eventually wrestled the ball out.
Torres was called out because of fan interference.
With Laura Albanese
Erik Boland started in Newsday's sports department in 2002. He covered high school and college sports, then shifted to the Jets beat. He has covered the Yankees since 2009.
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