Two New York Yankees fans were banned from attending Game 5 of the World Series after interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts during Game 4.
The Yankees announced in a statement Wednesday that fans “will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity” and added that Tuesday night’s incident with Betts was “egregious and unacceptable.”
A source told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers earlier Wednesday that it was not immediately clear whether the ban on Austin Capobianco and John Peter, both season ticket holders, would apply to all games at Yankee Stadium next season.
“The safety and security of players, fans and stadium staff is the fundamental element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised,” the Yankees said in their statement.
“Tonight marks the last home game of the year, and we want every ounce of passion our fans have on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line and intentionally put players in physical danger.
The team said it gave Game 5 tickets to fans to a sick child and his family who were unable to attend a children’s news conference at the ballpark in September to mark COVID-19 Awareness Month. childhood cancer.
Capobianco told Rogers that the Yankees had refunded him the price of Game 5 tickets and also informed him that he would be arrested if he attempted to attend the game.
“We are hoping for a ban in the short term,” Capobianco told Rogers. “We don’t want to lose subscriptions.”
Major League Baseball Players’ Association Executive Director Tony Clark said in a statement Wednesday that the union “will closely monitor both the response to this incident and the protective measures taken in the future.” “.
“The MLBPA takes the safety and security of players very seriously, including and especially at the ballpark,” Clark said. “As with any incident at the stadium that affects players, we have been in regular contact with League security officials since last night’s incident.”
Capobianco and Peter were ejected for removing the ball from Betts’ glove after the right fielder’s jump catch in the first inning.
Betts jumped the wall along the right field line in foul territory and first caught Gleyber Torres’ popup. Capobianco, sitting in the front row and wearing a gray Yankees road jersey, grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball away while Peter grabbed Betts’ ungloved hand at the wrist.
Betts reacted angrily and Torres was immediately reported for fan interference.
“Not good. There’s no room for that. It’s as simple as that,” New York manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday. “Come here, cheer, support your team, whatever. No room for that. I should never lay my hands on anyone.
Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo said Wednesday he wasn’t too surprised by what happened in New York.
“I saw it. It was maybe one of the most extreme: trying to snatch a ball,” he said. “But at the same time, it’s a bit of New York. I feel like that’s what you’re expecting here. You expect unique things.
“In the end, I didn’t think it was too serious. I think Mookie kind of got rid of that too. It’s just a bit of the passion, I guess, of New Yorkers.
This was the second time Torres’ at-bat was hit by fan interference in this World Series. With two outs in the ninth inning of Game 1 at Dodger Stadium, Torres hit a fly ball to left field, and a fan reached out and caught the ball. Torres got a double.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.