Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken swift action against two fans who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium. The league has banned Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen from attending any MLB games indefinitely, following an incident on October 29, 2024.

According to the official letter sent to the fans, their actions represented a serious breach of acceptable conduct during the game. The letter states, “On Oct. 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” (source: CNN). This response is particularly stern, underscoring the league's commitment to maintaining a safe environment at MLB events.

The fans were ejected from the game and prohibited from attending the following night’s Game 5 due to their misconduct, in which one fan was reported to have physically pulled Betts’ glove while attempting to catch a foul ball, and another fan grabbed his hand. The New York Yankees labeled the fans’ behavior as “egregious and unacceptable,” emphasizing that they were not season ticket holders (reported initially by the New York Post).

MLB has previously implemented similar bans for fans who have threatened players or trespassed onto the field, reinforcing the league's zero-tolerance policy for such conduct. If the banned individuals are discovered at any MLB venue, they will face removal and possible arrest for trespassing.

For more details, you can read the full articles on AP News, The Guardian, and CNN.