SUNTORY COLLECTION

Fans who ripped ball from Mookie Betts' glove banned from World Series Game 5

Two fans who were ejected at Yankee Stadium in a blatant and bizarre case of fan interference during a Game 4 of the World Series wont be allowed to attend what could be the decisive game Wednesday night in New York. The fans in the front row of seats along the right field foul line could be seen attempting to pry the baseball from the glove of Mookie Betts after he leaped near the wall and caught a fly ball in foul territory off the bat of New Yorks Gleyber Torres. One fan in a Yankees jersey could b

Fans who ripped ball from Mookie Betts' glove banned from World Series Game 5 + ' Main Photo'

Two fans who were ejected at Yankee Stadium in a blatant and bizarre case of fan interference during a Game 4 of the World Series wont be allowed to attend what could be the decisive game Wednesday night in New York.

The fans in the front row of seats along the right field foul line could be seen attempting to pry the baseball from the glove of Mookie Betts after he leaped near the wall and caught a fly ball in foul territory off the bat of New Yorks Gleyber Torres. One fan in a Yankees jersey could be seen trying to open Betts glove as another wearing sunglasses grabbed the right-fielders arm.

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The ball eventually was pried loose, but Torres was immediately called out on fan interference. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Yankees called the behavior egregious and unacceptable physical contact and said the two fans will 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 Yankees said in the statement. 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.

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.

NEW YORK, NY OCTOBER 29: Mookie Betts #50 of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes a leaping catch against the wall during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series presented by Capital One between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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

Betts was asked about the play after the game.

When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter, Betts said. We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. Hes fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game and that’s what I’m kind of focused on. We got to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.

ESPN identified one of the fans as a 38-year-old season-ticket holder, who said in an interview that he and the fan with him discussed such a scenario.

Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

We always joke about the ball in our area, the fan said at a bar after the game, ESPN reported. Were not going to go out of our way to attack. If its in our area, were going to D up.

Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. Were willing to do this.

Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)Fans interfere with a foul ball caught by Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during the first inning in Game 4 of the baseball World Series against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The unusual scene played out in the first inning with the Dodgers up 2-0 behind another Freddie Freeman home run and on the verge of a World Series sweep, but the Yankees stormed back to win 11-4.

The fans were escorted out of Yankee Stadium following the incident and ejected, a team spokesperson said in a statement.

It was just that latest case of fans becoming involved in the field of play during the postseason and the second involving Torres, who hit a fly ball to to the outfield in Dodger Stadium that was caught by a fan who reached over the wall. The play was ruled a double.

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Game 2 of the National League Divisional Series was halted for several minutes after fans threw a baseball, empty water bottles, trash and other items on the outfield.

The Dodgers have a second chance to close out the series in Game 5 Wednesday night in New York. A win would give the Dodgers their eighth World Series title.