NEW YORK — Major League Baseball has banned two fans who obstructed Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium from attending games at big league stadiums. .
MLB sent a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen this week informing them of the decision.
“On October 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with the game by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player. Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went well beyond the bounds of acceptable fan behavior,” said the letter, the contents of which were first reported by the New York Post and later obtained by the Associated Press.
“As a result of your conduct, Major League Baseball is indefinitely banning you from all MLB stadiums, offices and other facilities,” the letter states. “You are also prohibited indefinitely from attending any event sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please note that if you are discovered on any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespassing »
MLB has already issued league-wide bans on fans who enter the field or threaten baseball personnel. A fan who approached Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. at Colorado’s Coors Field in 2023 received a similar ban.
Capobianco and Hansen were ejected from the game on October 29 and banned from game five the following night.
Betts jumped onto the retaining wall in foul territory and caught Gleyber Torres’ pop fly in the first inning, but a fan in the front row with a gray Yankees road jersey grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and removed the ball. Another fan grabbed Betts’ bare hand.
The Yankees called the behavior “egregious and unacceptable.” The team said Friday that the two fans banned by MLB were not season ticket holders.
