The two New York Yankees fans who disrupted play during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, when they interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, have been permanently banned from attending MLB games and entering all MLB facilities. Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen were notified earlier this week via a letter from Major League Baseball about their lifetime ban, a story first reported by the New York Post.
The letter, sent by MLB, stated that on October 29, 2024, during Game 4 at Yankee Stadium, the two fans “intentionally and forcefully grabbed a player,” which interfered with the play. It further emphasized that their actions posed a serious risk to Betts’ health and safety, crossing the line of acceptable fan behavior.
In response to their conduct, MLB informed Capobianco and Hansen that they are indefinitely prohibited from attending any MLB games, visiting MLB offices, or entering other MLB-related facilities. The letter also warned that if they were found at any MLB property or event, they would be removed and face potential arrest for trespassing.
The incident occurred during the game when Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres hit a deep foul ball to right field. Betts, attempting to catch the ball, was interfered with by Capobianco and Hansen, who reached over the fence to prevent him from making the catch. One of them seemed to try to pull the ball from Betts’ glove, while the other grabbed his bare hand. Both fans were ejected from the game, and their tickets for Game 5 were revoked.
The Yankees condemned their actions as “egregious and unacceptable physical contact” in a statement following the incident. The team emphasized that the safety of players, fans, and stadium staff is a top priority and cannot be compromised.
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