Major League Baseball has taken decisive action against two fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium. The league has banned the fans, identified as Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen, from attending any games at big league ballparks.
In a letter sent to the fans this week, MLB cited the incident on Oct. 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, where the fans intentionally and forcefully grabbed Betts, posing a serious risk to his health and safety. The league deemed their conduct as crossing the line of acceptable fan behavior.
The letter stated, 'Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball 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.'
MLB has a history of issuing bans for fans who trespass on the field or threaten baseball personnel. A similar ban was imposed on a fan who approached Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. at Colorado's Coors Field in 2023.
Capobianco and Hansen were ejected from the game on Oct. 29 and subsequently banned from Game 5 the following night. The incident occurred when Betts made a spectacular catch in foul territory, but fans in the front row interfered with the play by grabbing Betts' glove and bare hand.
The New York Yankees condemned the fans' behavior as 'egregious and unacceptable.' The team clarified that the two banned fans were not season ticket holders.
Major League Baseball continues to uphold standards of fan conduct to ensure the safety and integrity of the game for players and spectators alike.
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