During Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, a New York Yankees fan, Austin Capobianco, became infamous after interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts as he tried to make a catch, grabbing his glove.
Since the incident, Capobianco’s life has been overshadowed by the fallout. After being identified as the fan involved, he and his family have faced relentless harassment, including hateful phone calls and even a package of feces sent to his parents’ doorstep. The 38-year-old never imagined his life would be upended in such a way, as reported by Brendan Kuty of *The Athletic*.
“All the stuff my family has had to deal with because of me,” Capobianco said. “The nonstop phone calls. The people sending me pictures of their ugly-looking penises. The packages.”
Capobianco openly admitted that he deeply regrets the incident, especially since the Yankees ultimately lost the World Series to the Dodgers. “Guys, you won the World Series,” he said. “Leave me alone.”
Major League Baseball acted swiftly, banning Capobianco and another fan, John Hansen, from attending any MLB games or events indefinitely. While Capobianco understands the decision, he hopes to one day return to Yankee Stadium. “I’m a good dude who did a dumb thing on camera,” he acknowledged.
Capobianco’s actions have cemented his place in Yankees history, for better or worse, and sparked a broader debate about fan behavior during games. However, he has no desire to be remembered as the face of this controversy or any movement. Instead, he hopes the incident will fade from memory over time, allowing him to return to being just another Yankees fan.
“I’m a hero in Yankees land. I’m a villain in America,” Capobianco said. “I don’t really care. I just want to be forgotten about. That’s it. I want people to forget about me.”
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