Two Yankees fans are banned from the Stadium for Game 5 of the World Series Wednesday night after aggressively interfering with Dodgers star right fielder Mookie Betts Tuesday night in the first inning during Game 4.
Austin Capobianco, a Yankees season-ticket holder who was wearing a road gray Yankees jersey in the front row down the right field line, grabbed Betts’ glove as he made a catch at the wall, and Capobianco’s friend, John Peter, grabbed Betts’ right hand as Capobianco pried the ball from the glove.
They will have their ticket prices refunded.
It’s unclear at this time if the ban will extend beyond Wednesday’s game.
“Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the Yankees said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
“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.”
Capobianco told ESPN Tuesday night at a bar near Yankee Stadium after being ejected that he and Peter have long been prepared for such a scenario.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” the 38-year-old told ESPN. “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.”
Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres, who hit the fly ball to begin the bottom of the first, was called out on fan interference.
The fans initially told ESPN that they were told they’d be allowed to return for Wednesday’s Game 5, which the Yankees forced with their 11-4 win Tuesday to avoid a World Series sweep.
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“I know when I’m in the wrong and as soon as I did it, I was like, ‘Boys I’m out of here,'” Capobianco told ESPN. “I patrol that wall and they know that.”
Capobianco’s brother Darren told The Athletic that Betts was cursing at them.
“I just see the ball kind of — I don’t want to say (go) up for grabs, if that makes sense,” Darren Capobianco told The Athletic of brother Austin’s interference on the play. “And then Mookie was swearing at us. Not good.”
While Betts appeared to be furious in the moment, he chose his words carefully after the game.
“When it comes to the person and 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, that’s what I’m focused on. Turn the page and get ready for [Wednesday.]”
