Yankees fans who interfered with Mookie Betts banned from World Series Game 5
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) --- The two Yankees fans who were ejected after one of them took the ball from Dodgers Mookie Betts' glove are banned from World Series Game 5 at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night, the team announced.
"These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity," the Yankees said in a statement.
Betts leaped at the wall in foul territory and initially caught Gleyber Torres’ pop-up in the first inning, but a fan in the first row with a gray Yankees’ road jersey grabbed Betts’ glove with both hands and pulled the ball out. Another fan grabbed Betts’ non-glove hand.
Betts reacted angrily, and Torres was immediately called out on fan interference. The Dodger outfielder took it in stride, saying, "Everything’s cool."
The Yankees, however, called the fans' actions "egregious and unacceptable."
The Yankees are trailing the World Series 3-1 after an 11-4 win Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The Bronx Bombers are looking to force the series back to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Friday.
"Tonight marks the final home game of the 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," according to the statement.
This report includes Associated Press material.
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.