Yankees fans who disrupted Mookie Betts banned from Game 5 of MLB World Series | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

The New York Yankees have banned fans who disrupted Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in Game 4 from attending Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night.

“Tonight is the final home game of the year and we want the passion of our fans to shine through,” the team said in a statement. “Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, but exuberance to support your team must never cross the line and result in intentionally placing players at physical risk.”

“The Yankees and Major League Baseball have a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior exhibited last night. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”

The play occurred in the bottom of the first when Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres hit a fly ball into foul territory. Betts jumped up before hitting the wall to catch the ball, but two fans grabbed his glove and tried to block the ball. One of them held Betts' arm as he tried to get the ball out.

After the game, ESPN's Jesse Rogers spoke to the fan holding Betts' arm. The fan, Austin Capobianco, is a Yankees season ticket holder and said he and the other fan, John Peter, had discussed this possible foul ball scenario in the past.

“We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco, 38, said after the game at a local bar. “We won’t bother attacking. If it is in our range, we will go up “D”. Someone defends, someone hits the ball. We talk about it. We are ready for this.” This.”

The referees ruled that the fans were disrupting the game and Torres was ejected. Betts was visibly upset about the situation on the field, but downplayed it after the game.

“When it comes to the person in the game, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. That is irrelevant. I'm doing well. He's fine. Everything is cool. We lost the game and that’s kind of what I’m focused on. We have to turn the tide and prepare for tomorrow.”

With an 11-4 victory over the Dodgers in Game 4, the Yankees kept their season alive for at least one more game. Wednesday's game will be the last at Yankee Stadium for the 2024 season, regardless of the outcome.

If the Yankees win Game 5, the series shifts back to Los Angeles for at least one more game. The Dodgers can win their second World Series title in the last five seasons with another win.