Two New York Yankees fans have been suspended from Game 5 of the World Series for prying a foul ball from Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts’ glove during Game 4 on Tuesday night.
The Yankees called the incident “terrible and unacceptable” in a statement Wednesday.
The altercation occurred in the first inning when Betts caught a foul ball from Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres along the right field line.
Video and replays show fans, identified as season ticket holder Austin Capobianco and his friend Jon Peter, grabbing Betts’ glove and grabbing his free hand as he tried to secure the ball. Ta. The referee immediately ejected Torres for fan interference, and stadium security escorted the two from Yankee Stadium.
Fan initially told ESPN he was scheduled to return for Wednesday’s game, but the Yankees announced he would not be allowed to return.
A fan intercepts a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the bottom of the first inning of Game 4 of the Baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Capobianco told an ESPN reporter that the Yankees refunded his ticket price for Game 5 and warned him that he would be arrested if he tried to attend the game.
The Yankees condemned the fans’ actions in a statement.
“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium due to outrageous and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the team said in a statement. “The safety and security of our players, fans and stadium staff is a fundamental element of any event held at Yankee Stadium and cannot be sacrificed.”
Game 5 will be the Yankees’ last home game of the season, and the team is asking fans to be respectful.
“Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but our enthusiasm for supporting our team can never cross the line of intentionally putting our players in physical danger,” the team added. . “The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy for conduct such as that exhibited last night.”
Fans watch No. 50 Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers attempt to catch a fly ball in foul territory during the bottom of the first inning of Game 4 of the 2024 World Series vs. the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on October 29, 2024. interferes. (Photo courtesy of Albero/Getty Images)
Despite the accident, Betts appeared unfazed after the game, with the Yankees winning 11-4 and advancing to Game 5 on Wednesday. The Dodgers led the seven-game series 3-1.
“As far as the play in the bottom of the first inning, it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We lost. It doesn’t matter. I’m okay, he’s okay, everything is fine. We lost the game, so that’s what I want to focus on. We have to turn the page and prepare for tomorrow. .”
However, Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman was less forgiving.
“It looked like the player was sent off because he pulled his wrist trying to take off his glove. I’m glad he got sent off,” Edman said after the game.
Source link
