During Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium on October 29, two fans were removed from the game for getting in the way of a play by grabbing a player intentionally and aggressively.
Major League Baseball has taken action by prohibiting these two fans who disrupted Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending any future games at ballparks.
MLB sent a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen this week informing them of the decision.
According to a letter that was initially reported by the New York Post and later acquired by The Associated Press, the fans were accused of interfering with the game on October 29, 2024, by forcefully seizing a player. This behavior was deemed extremely dangerous to the player’s well-being and exceeded the boundaries of acceptable fan conduct.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities,” the letter said. “You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please be advised that if you are discovered at any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespass.”
MLB has previously issued league-wide bans for fans who trespass on the field or threaten baseball personnel. A fan who approached Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. at Colorado’s Coors Field in 2023 received a similar ban.
Capobianco and Hansen were ejected from the game on Oct. 29 and banned from Game 5 the following night.
Betts leaped at the retaining wall in foul territory and caught Gleyber Torres’ pop fly in the first inning, but a fan in the first row with a gray Yankees road jersey grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball out. Another fan grabbed Betts’ bare hand.
The Yankees called the behavior “egregious and unacceptable.” The team said Friday the two fans MLB banned were not season ticket holders.
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