Major League Baseball permanently banned from all ballparks two fans who forcibly interfered with a fly ball catch by Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series. In doing so they send a clear message to those that could potentially injure players.
The two fans — Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen – have been banned indefinitely after Betts caught a ball near the right field wall and saw his momentum carry his glove into the stands where both fans grabbed onto Betts.
In a letter sent to both, MLB spelled out their actions.
“On October 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player. Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball (‘MLB’) 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.”
Both were immediately kicked out of the game, and the Yankees barred them at the time from attending Game 5.
Both were in attendance in seats held by a season ticket holder not at the game. The league is not punishing the season ticket holder.
As the replay above shows, Hansen holds Betts’ arm while Capobianco rips the ball out of his glove. Interviewed after the incident, Capobianco bragged about it.
“In that situation, ideally we would’ve hit the ball while it was in the air — we’re not reaching into the field of play. We would have if it came down to that, but that ball was on the wall. It was in my mouth, basically, and I go, ‘I can’t not do something right now.’”
As to the ejection from the game, he rationalized ripping the ball out.
“It was pretty secure. Once you put your hand on the glove you’re getting booted no matter what. So I might as well just f–king rip the thing out,” Capobianco said.
Given the torque on Betts’ arm, it’s surprising he wasn’t injured. And it’s here that MLB is doing the right thing.
As leagues continue to try and get fans as close as possible to the action, the cases of fans inserting themselves into direct contact with players has increased. The World Series incident is different than Jeffrey Maier reaching below the line during Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS to catch a ball that would up being called a Derek Jeter home run or the Steve Bartman incident during Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS. In both of these cases, fans were not in a physical altercation with the players.
Major League Baseball had to send a clear message to fans such behavior warrants permanent banishment from all ballparks. If the message isn’t sent, the ability to dissuade that type of over-the-top action becomes minimized. Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again. If it does, maybe the next course of action is the outside threat of jail time.
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