MLB bans Yankees fans who interfered with Mookie Betts in World Series Game 5

Despite initially getting off the hook, two of the surprise stars of Game 4 of the World Series won’t be back for Game 5.

In the bottom of the first inning Tuesday evening, Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres sent a fly ball into foul territory. Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts tracked the ball down and made a leaping grab at the wall, but ran into trouble trying to record the out.

Two Yankees fans interfered with Bettswho did everything they could to get the ball loose. One of them grabbed Betts’ glove and used both hands to pry it open, while the other grabbed Betts’ free hand to prevent him from completing the transfer. They managed to clear the ball, but Torres was still sent off after the referee shouted ‘fan interference’.

Austin Capobianco, the 38-year-old man who held Betts’ glove, is a season ticket holder. The other man was his friend, John Peter.

Unsurprisingly, the pair were ejected from the game and escorted out of Yankee Stadium. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers caught up with Capobiano and Peter at a local bar after the game, where they told Rogers that they had been told they could return for Game 5.

Justin Tasch of the New York Post however, reported that the two were later barred from attending Wednesday night’s game. Rogers followed and reported that MLB had asked the Yankees to ban Capobianco and Peter.

According to Rogers, the Yankees were on the same page. Capobianco told ESPN that he received a call from the team on Wednesday assuring him that he and Peter would be arrested if they tried to enter the stadium.

Capobianco had previously told Rogers that he and Peter had long discussed how they would respond if an opponent tried to make a catch in front of them. When the time came, they made sure to “D up.”

After the Yankees’ runaway 11-4 victory, Betts was asked about the incident at his post-game press conference.

“When it comes to the person in the game, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It doesn’t matter. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s fine. We lost the game and I’m kind of focused on that. We have to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”

Betts’ muted reaction aside, Capobiano and Rogers’ actions were a blatant violation of boundaries. This wasn’t yet another Steve Bartman scenario, nor was it a repeat of the Jeffrey Maier incident from the 1996 ALCS. Two grown adults made a concerted and premeditated attempt to physically overwhelm a player, knowing what the consequences and then brag about them afterwards.

And yet after the game, Capobianco signed autographs and took photos with other fans, becoming something of a local legend.

Capobianco and Peter will have their Game 5 tickets refunded, and it remains to be seen if there will be any further fallout beyond this postseason.

Game 5 will be the final game at Yankee Stadium this year, regardless of the final score. A Dodgers win would crown them champions, while a Yankees win would send the series back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Friday.

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.