Two New York Yankees fans were ejected from Game 4 of the World Series after a controversial incident involving Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. The incident occurred in the first inning and sparked controversy over fan behavior and sportsmanship in Major League Baseball.
As Yankees batter Gleyber Torres hit a fly ball down the right-field line, Betts tracked it and leaped to catch it near the stands when a Yankees fan, Austin Capobianco, reached over the wall and grabbed Betts’ glove, attempting to pry the ball loose. When this failed, John Peter, another fan, grabbed Betts’ wrist, knocking the ball out of his glove. The right-field umpire signaled spectator interference, ruling Torres out.
The fans’ actions drew mixed reactions from the crowd, with some spectators cheering while others disapproving. On the Fox broadcast, commentator Joe Davis initially joked that the fans deserved “an A for effort,” but co-commentator John Smoltz quickly predicted their ejection. Stadium security soon escorted Capobianco and Peter from the ballpark.
The Yankees initially stated the two fans would be allowed back for Game 5, but MLB Players Association intervened. “The MLBPA takes Player safety and security very seriously, including and especially at the ballpark,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. “As with every incident at the ballpark that affects players, we have been in regular contact with League security officials since last night’s incident.”
Their tickets were given to a 15-year-old cancer patient who could not attend a prior event at the stadium in September to mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The move highlighted the league’s stance on prioritizing player safety and appropriate fan conduct.
The incident sparked debate about the behavior of fans at high stakes sporting events. Capobianco later admitted to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that the interference was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. “We always joke about the ball in our area,” he said. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up”.
Legal experts have noted that while Betts was unharmed, the fans’ actions could still violate New York’s harassment laws which prohibit intentional physical contact meant to harass or annoy. A conviction for harassment in the second degree could result in up to 15 days in jail or community service.
When asked about the incident after the game, Betts responded that, “when it comes to the first-inning play, it doesn’t matter.”
“We lost the game, and that’s what I’m kinda focused on,” Betts said. “We gotta turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”
Betts later contributed to the Dodgers’ win in Game 5, securing their eighth World Series championship.
