Yankees fans who interfered with Mookie Betts’ catch are banned from World Series Game 5

NEW YORK (KABC) — Two New York Yankees fans have been banned from attending Game 5 of the World Series after interfering with Dodgers star Mookie Betts in Game 4.

The two fans will be reimbursed for the cost of their tickets, a source reports to the sports channel.

On Tuesday evening at Yankee StadiumBetts jumped to the wall in foul territory and initially caught Gleyber Torres’ pop-up in the first inning, but a front row fan, Austin Capobianco, grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball out. Capobianco’s friend, John Peter, then grabbed Betts’ hand without gloves.

Betts responded angrily, and Torres was immediately ejected by right field umpire Mark Carlson for fan interference.

“Tonight is the last home game of the year and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion to be on display,” the Yankees said in a statement on Wednesday. “Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but the exuberance of supporting a team can never cross the line and intentionally put players in physical danger.

“The Yankees and Major League Baseball have a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior exhibited last night. These fans will not be allowed to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”

Capobianco, a Yankees season ticket holder, said he knew he was going to be in trouble but still chose to grab Betts’ glove and open it, telling ESPN that he and Peter often discuss this exact scenario: If a foul ball comes their way, they’re going to do whatever they can to help their team.

“In our area we always joke about the ball,” said 38-year-old Capobianco after the match in a local bar. ‘We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’ll go to ‘D’.

“Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We are willing to do this.”

Betts, who was visibly frustrated at the time, downplayed the incident after the game.

“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.”

The Dodgers had a two-run lead at the time on Freddie Freeman’s two-run homer, but the Dodgers were unable to complete a sweep and took an 11–4 loss to the Yankees.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Dodgers rookie pitcher Ben Casparius said. “It’s quite interesting. It was obviously very early in the game, so I think it set the tone.”

Capobianco and Peter were escorted from Yankee Stadium but said they were told they could return for Game 5 on Wednesday. The Yankees did not immediately respond to ESPN’s request for comment asking whether that was indeed the case.

“I know when I’m wrong and as soon as I did it I was like, ‘Guys, I’m out,’” Capobianco told ESPN. “I patrol that wall and they know it.”

The situation was reminiscent of Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS at Yankee Stadium and the controversy that followed, when preteen New York fan Jeffrey Maier intercepted a fly ball that appeared destined for the glove of Orioles right fielder Tony Tarasco. Since there was no replay review at the time, the hit passed for a Derek Jeter home run and became the stuff of October baseball legend.

It was the second time Torres had an at-bat affected 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 over and caught the ball. Torres got a double.

In Game 4, Torres later hit a three-run homer to right field for New York’s final runs.

ESPN and Associated Press contributed to this report.