In Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, two Yankees fans caused a significant stir by interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts’ attempt to catch a foul ball hit by Yankees player Gleyber Torres. Racing toward the stands, Betts positioned himself for the catch, but two Yankees fans, Austin Capobianco and his friend John Peter, reached over the barrier, interfering with Betts just as he was about to secure the out. The interaction, captured on video, shows Capobianco grabbing Betts’ glove while Peter clutches his free hand, disrupting the catch and causing immediate controversy.

Betts’ reaction to the interference was one of visible frustration, and right-field umpire Mark Carlson quickly ruled Torres out due to fan interference. Security then escorted Capobianco and Peter out of the stadium. While some fans would regret such actions, Capobianco seemed unfazed, later telling ESPN that as a season-ticket holder, he and his friend often joked about helping their team if an opportunity arose. “If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up,” he said, describing it as a way of showing his loyalty to the Yankees.

When asked about the incident in a post-game press conference, Betts downplayed the significance, focusing instead on his team’s loss rather than the disruption. He reassured reporters about his physical condition, stating, “It’s irrelevant. We lost, it doesn’t matter.” Betts dismissed any lasting impact from the incident, emphasizing his commitment to prepare for the next game.

Social media, however, was abuzz with criticism. Many users found the fans’ actions embarrassing and unsportsmanlike, condemning the interference as a violation of sports etiquette. Some worried about potential injuries to Betts, pointing out that the actions could have resulted in serious harm, potentially leading to costly consequences if Betts had been hurt.

In response, the New York Yankees organization swiftly criticized the two fans, calling their behavior “egregious and unacceptable.” In a statement, the Yankees confirmed that Capobianco and Peter would be banned from Game 5 at Yankee Stadium. The team emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of players, fans, and staff, highlighting that such incidents contradict the values expected at Yankee Stadium, known for its passionate atmosphere. By taking immediate action, the Yankees reinforced their stance on respectful fan conduct, ensuring that passionate support does not endanger any player.