MLB bans New York Yankees fans indefinitely for Mookie Betts interference in World Series against Los Angeles Dodgers

Austin Capobianco said he hoped for a "short-term ban" shortly after wrestling the ball away from Los Angeles Dodgers' fielder Mookie Betts. But Major League Baseball have announced that he and John P. Hansen have been banned indefinitely for their interference in Game 4 of the World Series in New York. The ban extends to any property and event associated with or sponsored by MLB.

The pair of New York Yankees fans who prised the ball away from Mookie Betts at the World Series have been banned indefinitely from all grounds by Major League Baseball.

Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen succeeded in wrestling a foul ball away from the Los Angeles Dodgers fielder in October.

Yankees went on to win the game 11-4, their only victory of the post-season final, with Dodgers sealing the series 4-1 the following night.

MLB

'What are you going to say now?' - Epic comeback sees Dodgers win World Series

31/10/2024 at 10:11

In a letter to the supporters, who were banned from attending the fifth and final game, MLB stated they "went far over the line of acceptable behavior [sic]".

"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," read the letter shared on the MLB website.

"Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior.

Dodgers capture historic eighth World Series title with ‘remarkable’ Game 5 comeback

Video credit: TNT Sports

"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.

"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."

Yankees’ lead-off hitter Gleyber Torres, who hit the foul fly ball, was called out due to the interference.

• 'What are you going to say now?' - Epic comeback sees LA Dodgers win World Series against New York Yankees
• 'You can't do that!' – Wild scenes as fan wrestles ball out of player's hand after catch during Yankees-Dodgers

Capobianco told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers shortly after the incident that the pair wanted "a short-term ban."

"We're hoping for a short-term ban," Capobianco said to Rogers. "We don't want to lose the season tickets."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone had a different opinion at the time, saying there was "no place for that".

"Not good. There's no place for that. It's as simple as that," Boone said. "Come here, cheer, root for your team, whatever. No place for that. Should never have hands on anyone."

---

Stream top MLB action on discovery+.

MLB

'You can't do that!' - Wild scenes as fan wrestles ball out of player's hand after catch

30/10/2024 at 11:34

Baseball

'The best one so far' - Dodgers edge Blue Jays in thriller to defend World Series crown

02/11/2025 at 09:00