Yankees Break Silence on Fan Who Grabbed Mookie Betts in World Series vs Dodgers
The New York Yankees have officially spoken out regarding the two fans who grabbed Mookie Betts in the first inning of Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
While ESPN initially reported the fans would be allowed back in the stadium for Game 5, the team appeared to have a change of heart. Now, the organization has officially spoken out, banning the fans for Game 5.
“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 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.”
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The two fans grabbed Betts arm on a foul ball in the first inning and tried to rip the ball out of his glove. They were then escorted out of the stadium. Here’s a video of the play:
After the game, Betts was ready to move on from the incident.
“When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game and that’s what I’m kind of focused on.”
In a conversation with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers at a local bar after he was banned, one of the fans — Austin Capobianco — said it was always his plan to grab a player if they were in his area.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco said to Rogers. “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.”
Game 5 is Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:08 p.m. PT/8:08 p.m. ET.
Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
I agree. Their actions could have resulted in serious physical injury to the player.
Not good enough they should be banned for life.
Then beg for a removal of the ban.
Yes, they absolutely should have been banned for life. That is the most outrageous case of fan interference I have ever seen.
And what makes it even worse is that this idiot claims they planned to do this if they got the chance!
I’m glad the Yankees did something about this but it’s not enough.
The correct decision was made. Those two men are lucky they weren’t arrested.
I can see if sometimes someone sticks a glove over the edge of the wall to try to make a catch, and might not even realize it. Maybe. But these two clowns were deliberately trying to interfere with the game, rip the ball out of Mookie’s glove and maybe even steal his glove. They may be NY fans, but they’re not baseball fans.
I see where the Yankees gave the A-holes seats to a young kid with cancer. Kudos to them.
I’ve NEVER seen a fan(s) be more disgusting than this in my entire 50+yrs of watching / going to baseball games in my life!
The Yankees defensive melt-down in the 5th inning of game 5 was Karma for these 2 A-Holes actions in Game 4.
New Yorkers should be embarrassed by these two idiots. If the Yankee organization had any balls, they would ban these two jackasses for life.
It’s NYC. What do you expect? These two Gumbas didn’t surprise me with almost breaking Mookie’s wrist. They should be banned for life, but the DA there won’t do anything. Like I said, it’s NYC at its “finest.”