NEW YORK — The Yankees fan who interfered with Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts’ catch during Tuesday’s World Series game told the Times he was “too passionate” and “probably crossed the line.” spoke.
Austin Capobianco, a 38-year-old fan from Connecticut, appears to have grabbed Betts’ mitt and twisted the player’s wrist after Betts reached into the stands to catch a foul ball hit by Gleyber Torres. As a result, he was banned from watching Game 5 in the Bronx on Wednesday. . Capobianco said he was trying to steal the ball from Betts to help his favorite team.
“I’m such a huge fan that I may have crossed the line last night,” Capobianco said in a text message to the Times. “All I wanted to do was avoid being out.”
His efforts and that of another fan caused the ball to fly out of Betts’ glove, but Torres was called for interference anyway.
(Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
(Wally Scully/Los Angeles Times)
(Wally Scully/Los Angeles Times)
(Wally Scully/Los Angeles Times)
(Wally Scully/Los Angeles Times)
(Wally Scully/Los Angeles Times)
(Wally Scully/Los Angeles Times)
In an interview with ESPN after the Yankees’ 11-4 win, Capobianco said he and fellow seatmate Jon Peter’s actions were premeditated.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” ESPN quoted a season ticket holder as saying. “If it’s within our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.” Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. Let’s talk about it. We are happy to do this. ”
In a text message with the Times, the self-proclaimed superfan said he did not speak to the Dodgers outfielder and denied using racial epithets against Betts. He said some accused him of using racial slurs.
Capobianco also praised Betts as a player.
“He was very good and his play was impressive. The juice and desperation of the World Series kicked in and that’s how it turned out,” Capobianco said.
If the Yankees had given Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman a walk instead of allowing a two-run homer in the top half of that inning, his “attitude and thought process might have been different during that play,” he said. It could have been different,” Capobianco added. ”
The Yankees said in a statement that the second fan who interfered with Capobianco and Betts will not be allowed into the stadium “in any capacity” for Game 5. “The safety and security of our players, fans and stadium staff is a fundamental element of the game and cannot be compromised for any event held at Yankee Stadium,” the team said.
Capobianco also gave a message to the team ahead of the upcoming offseason.
“Signing Soto,” Capobianco wrote.
