The two New York Yankees fans who were ejected from Game 4 on Tuesday night for interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts won’t be back in their seats down the right field line for tonight’s game.
Despite his initial claim made to ESPN, season-ticket holder Austin Capobianco and his friend John Peter will not be allowed back in the ballpark for Game 5 on Wednesday, the Yankees announced.
‘The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night,’ the Yankees said in a statement. ‘These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”
The Yankees said the fans’ conduct was ‘egregious and unacceptable.’
Capobianco told ESPN after the game he knew he had done something wrong, but seemed to indicate he had no remorse. ‘I patrol that wall and they know that,’ he said.
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The bizarre play came in the bottom of the first inning on a foul fly off the bat of Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres.
Capobianco said he and Peter have often discussed what to do in situations like that.
‘We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up,’ he told ESPN. ‘Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.’
MLB rules on interference allow fans to try and catch balls that are in the seating area, but umpires have the option to call a batter out if a fan intentionally prevents a fielder from making the catch. Betts ended up making the catch before the ball was ripped out of his glove and Torres was called out on the play.
‘The safety and security of players, fans and Stadium staff is the foundational element of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised,’ the Yankees said.
‘Tonight marks the final home game of year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.’
Said MLBPA executive director Tony Clark: ‘We have been in regular contact with league security officials since last night’s incident and will be closely tracking the response to that incident and the protective measures taken going forward.’
This story has been updated to include new information and headlines.
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