In the end, the Yankees batter was ruled out in a game that would later get away from the Dodgers.
Two fans ejected from Yankee Stadium for a blatant and unusual case of fan interference during Game 4 of the World Series will not be permitted to attend what might be the decisive game on Wednesday night in New York.
Seated in the front row along the right field foul line, the fans were seen attempting to wrestle a baseball from Mookie Betts’ glove after he leaped near the wall to catch a foul ball hit by Gleyber Torres of the Yankees. One fan in a Yankees jersey was seen trying to pry open Betts’ glove, while another wearing sunglasses grabbed the right fielder’s arm.
The New York Yankees Resolve
The ball was eventually freed, but Torres was immediately called out for fan interference. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Yankees condemned the incident as “egregious and unacceptable physical contact,” announcing that the two fans would not be allowed to attend Game 5 at Yankee Stadium.
“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the statement read. “The safety and security of players, fans, and Stadium staff is the fundamental principle of every event held at Yankee Stadium, and it cannot be compromised.”
“Tonight marks the final home game of the year, and we want our fans’ passion to be on full display. While Yankee Stadium is renowned for its energy and intensity, the enthusiasm for supporting one’s team must never cross the line into endangering players.”
Zero Tolerance for misbehavior
“The Yankees and Major League Baseball enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding the behavior exhibited last night. These fans will not be allowed to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”
After the game, Betts was asked about the incident.
“When it comes to the person involved, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game, and that’s what I’m focused on. We need to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”
ESPN reported that one of the fans involved is a 38-year-old season-ticket holder, who mentioned in an interview that he and the other fan had discussed such a scenario beforehand.
What to expect
“We always joke about the ball coming into our area,” the fan said at a bar after the game, according to ESPN. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.
“One person defends, while the other tries to grab the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
The unusual incident unfolded in the first inning while the Dodgers were leading 2-0, buoyed by another Freddie Freeman home run and looking to complete a World Series sweep. However, the Yankees rallied to secure an 11-4 victory.
“The fans were escorted out of Yankee Stadium following the incident and ejected,” a team spokesperson stated.
This marked yet another instance of fans interfering during postseason play, and it was the second incident involving Torres. Earlier, at Dodger Stadium, a fly ball he hit was caught by a fan who reached over the wall, which was ruled a double.
