The two men ejected from Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday for interfering with a catch were banned from attending Game 5.
The New York Post identified the fans as Austin Capobianco and John Peter and reported that they will receive a refund for the price of their tickets.
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts, who was manning right field, ran into foul territory to hunt down a ball hit by New York’s Gleyber Torres in the second. The outfielder had the ball in his glove, at which point a man in a gray Yankees jersey tried to wrest the ball from Betts.
Capobianco, a Yankees season-ticket holder who was wearing a team jersey while sitting in the front row down the right field line, grabbed onto Betts’ glove — with the ball still in it — and pried it open enough to get the ball to pop out. His friend, Peter, held on to Betts’ right hand.
Torres was called out, nevertheless.
The Yankees released a statement concerning the fans’ “egregious and unacceptable physical contact” with Betts.
“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,” the team said. “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.”
Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Tony Clark said the union will be “closely tracking” the protective measures that are taken.
“The MLBPA takes Player safety and security very seriously, including and especially at the ballpark,” Clark said. “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 and will be closely tracking both the response to that incident and the protective measures taken going forward, beginning tonight.”
Given that his season seats are close to the action, Capobianco said he has considered giving his team a boost from his front-row perch.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco 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.”
The Yankees won 11-4 to stave off elimination. The Dodgers have a 3-1 series lead entering Game 5 on Wednesday night in New York.
–Field Level Media
