The Yankees managed to avoid a World Series sweep Tuesday night with an 11-4 win overcoming Freddie Freeman and an early Dodgers lead in the top of the first. However, the story coming out of Game 4 wasn’t the thought of any kind of momentum swing to get the Yankees back into the series, it was two fans who literally ripped a foul ball out of Mookie Betts’ glove.
The play in question came at the bottom of the first inning when Betts caught a foul ball off Gleyber Torres’s bat. During the catch, two fans sitting in the front row proceeded to hold onto Betts’s arm, pry open his glove, and tear out the ball.
Both fans eventually were ejected from the stadium and one, Austin Capobianco, told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that he was going to “D up” if any play goes into “(their) area”.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco said. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
Major League Baseball also announced in a statement today that Capobianco and John Peter, who was also ejected for grabbing Betts’ glove, would not be allowed back for Game 5.
“Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the statement reads. “The safety and security of players, fans, and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.
“Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.”
The statement clears up any confusion as to whether Capobiano and Peter would be allowed back for Game 5 after the two said they would be allowed to attend Game 5 in the wake of being ejected Tuesday night. What isn’t clear is if both of the fans would be allowed back at any point next season.