During Game 4 of the World Series, two New York Yankees fans caused a stir with a moment of interference that disrupted a key play involving Dodgers star Mookie Betts. As the Yankees trailed 2-0 in the first inning, Gleyber Torres hit a fly ball toward right field, and Betts attempted to make a catch near the wall. However, two Yankees fans, wearing jerseys of team legends Mariano Rivera and Aaron Judge, reached over the barrier—one grabbing Betts’ glove and the other his wrist—ultimately leading to an interference call that ruled Torres out.
Identified as Yankees season-ticket holder Austin Capobianco, the fan who grabbed the ball told ESPN he and his friend often joked about taking defensive actions if a ball came near them. “We always joke about the ball in our area,” he reportedly said, adding, “If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball.” After the incident, the fans were escorted out of the stadium, exchanging high-fives with other Yankees supporters along the way.
This is absolutely insane behaviorpic.twitter.com/SYIKDQKhIt
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) October 30, 2024
Capobianco’s brother, Darren, defended the action, claiming Betts reached over the wall, making the ball fair game. He added that Betts reacted angrily, swearing at the fans after the disruption. Meanwhile, Dodgers fans, including reporter Doug McKain, condemned the incident, with McKain tweeting that the fans should be banned for life due to the potential safety risk posed to Betts.
After the game, Betts downplayed the event, saying, “It doesn’t matter… Everything’s fine,” focusing instead on the Dodgers’ 11-4 loss. Yankees fans remain divided, with some calling the act a distraction while others praise it as part of their home-field advantage.
