In an unforgettable and an utterly bizarre moment during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, a New York Yankees fan was ejected for prying open Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts’ glove and snatching the ball during a foul catch attempt.
The fan, identified as Austin Capobianco from Connecticut, and another fan beside him were ejected from Yankee Stadium in the first inning after Capobianco grabbed Betts’ glove and knocked the ball back onto the field.
"Well, A for effort."
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2024
Fan interference was called on this play where a Yankee fan tried to take the ball out of Mookie Betts' glove after an out. pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd
In the bottom of the first inning, with the Yankees trailing 2-0, leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres hit a high pop-up into foul territory in right field. Mookie Betts reached over the padded wall and caught the ball, but fan Austin Capobianco grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands, opened it, reached inside with his right hand and knocked the ball back onto the field. The umpires ruled the play fan interference and Torres was out.
Capobianco, who is a Yankee Stadium season-ticket holder, declined to comment on the matter any further after telling the media that he just wanted to watch the game.
His brother, Darren, recounted the chaotic moment and said that he saw Betts’ glove go over the concrete wall as he tried to make a catch on Torres’ hit. “I just see the ball kind of go up for grabs. And then Mookie was swearing at us. Not good.”
Betts, whose team eventually lost the game, said that his wrist felt “perfectly fine,” and dismissed questions any further questions about the incident afterward. “We lost, it’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine, everything’s cool,” he said.
Ban this Yankees fan for life. What if Mookie gets injured here?
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) October 30, 2024
pic.twitter.com/FWHy4U1lu7
Following the incident, Capobianco was seen arguing with security, claiming that Betts’ glove had reached into foul territory. He was escorted out to cheers and applause, with one Yankees fan who witnessed the ejection even calling him a hero. “I saw him being walked out,” they said. “I told him he was my hero for trying to save the Yankees. It’s the championship game.”
A league spokesperson later confirmed the ejections.
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“That was one of the most aggressive instances of a fan ripping the ball out of a player’s glove that I’ve ever seen,” said longtime former MLB umpire Dale Scott.
Dodgers pitcher Ben Casparius, who was on the mound at the time, was just relieved the umpires called the batter out. “I’ve never seen anything like that,” he said. “It was interesting, especially being so early in the game. Definitely an unusual start.”
Dodgers’ infielder Tommy Edman also shared similar shock to the whole incident.
“From my perspective, it looked ridiculous,” Edman said. “The guy was yanking on Mookie’s glove, pulling at his wrist. He got ejected, and I’m glad he did. I’ve never seen anything like it—that was unacceptable.”