In an unusual scene during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts faced unexpected interference [1] from two overzealous New York Yankees fans.
The incident occurred during the first inning when Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres hit a foul ball down the right-field line.
As Betts reached over the wall to make the play, a pair of Yankees supporters attempted to grab the ball from his glove, resulting in immediate fan interference and the ejection of the fans involved.
The two fans, identified as Austin Capobianco and an unidentified individual, were escorted out of the stadium following the interference call.
Betts later downplayed the incident, expressing no interest in lingering over the moment. “I didn’t even know he grabbed my hand,” Betts told reporters postgame. “It’s perfectly fine.” Betts emphasized that his focus remained on the game, saying, “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game, that’s what I’m focused on. Turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”
Mookie spoke on the fan interaction and the fight from the Yankees facing elimination. pic.twitter.com/XNgdpmB0hH [2]
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 30, 2024 [3]
Despite Betts’ attempt to stay unfazed, the interference ultimately resulted in an automatic out for Torres due to the fan violation, which prevented the Yankees from gaining an early offensive edge.
The game’s outcome, however, later turned in the Yankees’ favor.
Torres went on to deliver a significant three-run home run in the eighth inning, helping propel the Yankees to an 11-4 victory, extending their run in the World Series.
Austin Capobianco’s brother, Darren, spoke to The Athletic, explaining that Austin’s intent was to reach for the ball, though he acknowledged it may have gone too far. “I just see the ball kind of — I don’t want to say (go) up for grabs, if that makes sense,” Darren said. “And then Mookie was swearing at us. Not good.”
When contacted via text by The Athletic, Anthony, a Connecticut resident who attended the game with Austin, said, “I just want to watch the game,” hinting at his regret over the incident.
The disruption also drew mixed reactions from the fans in attendance.
One Yankees fan told The Athletic that as he saw Austin Capobianco being escorted out, he felt admiration for his actions. “I saw him being walked out,” the fan recalled. “I told him he was my hero for trying to save the Yankees. It’s the championship game.”
Betts, an eight-time All-Star and integral player for the Dodgers expressed his commitment to moving past the incident, showing a focus on preparing for the next game rather than dwelling on the disruption.
The Yankees’ victory, propelled by Torres’ late-game home run, put the Yankees back in contention, keeping their World Series hopes alive.
The incident highlighted the intense atmosphere of postseason baseball, where fan enthusiasm can sometimes lead to unintended consequences on the field.
With the stakes high for both teams, Game 5 promises a fierce showdown as the Yankees seek to maintain their momentum in the series.