New York, NY – Two fans of the New York Yankees were banned from Yankee Stadium after causing a disruption during Game 4 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, where they attempted to grab a ball from Dodgers star Mookie Betts. The incident occurred in the first inning when Betts tried to catch a foul ball hit by Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres. One fan opened Betts’ glove, causing the ball to drop, while the other fan grabbed Betts’ hand.
According to reports, the fans believed they would be allowed to attend Game 5 on Wednesday. However, the MLB intervened, and the Yankees confirmed that the fans would not be welcome at the game. The safety and security of players, fans, and staff are top priorities at Yankee Stadium, and such behavior cannot be tolerated, as stated in a released statement by the Yankees.
The actions of the fans resulted in Betts showing frustration, and Torres was ruled out by the umpire due to fan interference. Commentary from the game broadcasters highlighted the inappropriate behavior, with former pitcher John Smoltz remarking that the fan responsible would not be watching the game for long.
Videos circulating on social media showed the fans being escorted out of Yankee Stadium by security. The fan who grabbed the ball from Betts was identified as a Yankees season-ticket holder who attended the game with a friend. Prior to the game, they had discussed their strategy if a foul ball came their way.
Despite the incident, the Yankees managed to secure a victory over the Dodgers, preventing elimination with a final score of 11-4. Betts downplayed the incident, focusing on the game’s outcome, while his teammate Tommy Edman labeled the behavior as unacceptable. This was not the first time in the World Series that fan interference affected a play, as Torres had previously been awarded a double in Game 1 after a fan caught a ball over the wall.
The incident at Yankee Stadium serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful behavior towards players and the consequences of crossing boundaries during sporting events. The MLB and the Yankees reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior, emphasizing the need for a safe and enjoyable environment for all involved.