NEW YORK — Major League Baseball has taken action against two spectators who disrupted play involving Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during a World Series game at Yankee Stadium, banning them from attending any major league games.
This week, MLB delivered a letter to Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen, detailing the reasons behind their ban.
The letter stated, “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 actions posed a significant risk to the health and safety of the player and exceeded the boundaries of acceptable fan behavior.” This assertion was initially reported by the New York Post.
As a result of their actions, MLB indicated that they are banned indefinitely from all stadiums, offices, and related facilities under its jurisdiction. The letter emphasized, “You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please be advised that if you are found on any MLB property or at any event, you will be removed and may face arrest for trespassing.”
Previously, MLB has enforced similar bans on fans who have trespassed onto the field or posed threats to personnel. Notably, a fan was banned after attempting to approach Atlanta Braves player Ronald Acuña Jr. during a game at Colorado’s Coors Field in 2023.
Both Capobianco and Hansen were ejected from the game on October 29 and had already been barred from attending Game 5 the next evening.
During the first inning, Betts managed to catch a pop fly from Gleyber Torres but was interfered with by a spectator in a gray Yankees jersey who grabbed his glove, forcing the ball out. Additionally, another fan attempted to clasp Betts’s bare hand.
The behavior was denounced by the Yankees as “egregious and unacceptable,” and they confirmed on Friday that the individuals banned by MLB were not season ticket holders.
