REPORTS: MLB bans Yankees fans who interfered with Mookie Betts in Game 5 INDEFINIETLY

MLB indefinitely bans the NY Yankees fans who interfered with Mookie Betts for the Game 5 of the World Series from all stadiums.

REPORTS: MLB bans Yankees fans who interfered with Mookie Betts in Game 5 INDEFINIETLY

Mookie Betts & Yankees fan interference [Image Credit: KTLA]

Following a crazy Game 4 night at Yankee Stadium last year, a wild incident took place prior to Game 5 that shocked the whole MLB world. Initially, Major League Baseball stepped forward to address the fan interference issue, asking the New York Yankees to ban the ones responsible for the chaos. 

The league said their tickets would be refunded but the Yankees fans would not be allowed to participate in Game 5 of the World Series. Prior to their declaration, they said to ESPN that they were allowed in Game 5 and took no note of the matter. However, as per latest reports, the league has banned the two fans indefinitely from all MLB stadiums.

YouTube video

The bizarre incident took place during the bottom of the first inning in Game 4 when Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts chased a foul ball near the fan territory. The ball was hit off by Yankees Gleyber Torres, but the play was called off due to fan interference.

FS Video

Surprisingly enough, Austin Capobianco, one of the Yankees fans, said how they actually were prepared for the situation with strategies and all. They said they’d do anything if it helped the team in winning the World Series.

We always joke about the ball in our area. We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.

Austin Capobianco as per Jesse Rogers of ESPN

While MLB rules state that a fan can catch a foul ball in their seating area, the umpire has the right to call for interference if they believe it disrupted the player. In Mookie Betts’ case, the Yankees fans tried to pry open his glove in an attempt to steal the ball.

Betts also answered frustratingly at the situation and the fans gained heavy criticism from the MLB world. Even Yankees legendary voice John Sterling commented how surprised he was to see the incident. 

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He said that bystanders are allowed to root for the team but that’s all. Interfering and coming in direct contact with a player is unforgiving. The Yankees eventually won the game 11-4 but Betts was visibly angry after the incident.

Mookie Betts comments on the Yankees fan interference incident

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts seemed to have swept the NY Yankees fan interference issue under the rug. Despite the Game 4 loss, he was confident in his team winning the Fall Classic and said he’s focused on the next game.

Mookie Betts
Mookie Betts [Image Credit: True Blue LA]

However, during the incident, Betts looked angry as the fans came in contact with him and tried to hustle for the ball. During the skirmish, the ball fell on the field and the play was called dead. 

We’re human beings and we’re not machines up there. We had a bad game, it’s part of it. So we got to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.

Mookie Betts via SportsNet LA
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The fans were eventually escorted outside the stadium, but they did not show any remorse as they knew they’d be back for Game 5. But now with MLB’s latest call, they’ll be watching the game on a screen rather than witnessing Yankees play directly for quite a long time.