Major League Baseball has asked the New York Yankees to ban the fans who interfered with a Mookie Betts catch in foul territory for Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, according to ESPN. The Yankees have agreed to do it.
The moment happened in the bottom of the first inning in Game 4 on Tuesday night. The Los Angeles Dodgers star tracked the ball into foul territory, but when he went up to make the catch, two Yankees fans grabbed his arms and tried to rip the ball free.
The umpires ruled that the Yankees batter was out because of fan interference. New York went on to win the game, 11-4, to stay alive in the World Series. The Dodgers lead the series 3-1 heading into Game 5 in New York on Tuesday night.
This has been a thrilling World Series from the very start, but the controversy around the Yankees fans who dared to interfere with the game threatened to take the spotlight off the remarkable play on the field. In between puff pieces about the fans, MLB decided it needed to remove the distraction ahead of what could be the series finale in Game 5.
The Yankees are reportedly in agreement to ban the fans, according to CNN. They will be given a refund for their tickets. The fans were ejected following the play in Game 4. Here’s a statement from the Yankees that was emailed to credentialed media:
“Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts.
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.
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.”
We’ll update this story as it develops.
