NEW YORK — The two New York Yankees fans who pried open Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts’ glove during Game 4 of the World Series are indefinitely banned from attending any Major League Baseball game, a league source confirmed to The Athletic. The New York Post was first to report the news.
Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen were immediately ejected from Yankee Stadium and banned from attending Game 5 of the World Series. They are now subject to arrest if they are found to be in attendance at any MLB ballpark.
“On October 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player,” MLB wrote in a letter obtained by The Athletic. “Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball (“MLB”) is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities. 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.”
The two fans used season tickets from a fan who has held the seats since 1990. Because the ticket holder was not in attendance, their seats will not be revoked. The Yankees banned both fans from the stadium, while the league decided the punishment should extend to all stadiums.
Capobianco’s brother, Darren, said at the time he saw Betts’ glove go over the concrete wall as he tried to make a catch on Gleyber Torres’ hit.
“I just see the ball kind of — I don’t want to say (go) up for grabs, if that makes sense,” Darren Capobianco said. “And then Mookie was swearing at us. Not good.”
The Athletic reached out to Austin Capobianco for comment, but he was unavailable at the time of publishing.
(Photo of interference: Robert Deutsch / Imagn Images)
