Two New York Yankees fans have been permanently banned from all Major League Baseball stadiums after interfering with Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series. The league issued an indefinite ban against John P. Hansen and Austin Capobianco, barring them from every MLB venue and any events associated with the league.

The incident occurred at Yankee Stadium when Betts attempted to catch a foul ball near the stands. Hansen and Capobianco forcefully grabbed Betts’ glove and wrist, disrupting the play. Despite the interference, officials ruled it an out, and the game continued. The Yankees went on to secure their only win of the series, but the Dodgers clinched the championship in Game 5.

MLB condemned the fans’ actions in a formal notice, stating, “Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior.” The league emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for behavior that endangers players, fans, or staff. The letter warned that if Hansen or Capobianco attempt to attend any MLB event, they will be removed and could face trespassing charges.

Give this Yankees fan a lifetime ban pic.twitter.com/avZyTDlsvN

— Kent Murphy (@KentMurphy) October 30, 2024

The Yankees organization also condemned the behavior. “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,” the team said in a statement. To further distance themselves from the incident, the Yankees donated Hansen and Capobianco’s Game 5 tickets to a 15-year-old cancer patient and his family.

Remember those Yankees fans who interfered with the Dodger's Mookie Betts catch during game 4 of the World Series? Well, Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen have now been permanently banned from all @MLB ballparks. Good decision by the #MLB, but it took too long. #FAFO pic.twitter.com/zSwCJrZN2w

— Ray Loewe (@rloewe65) January 11, 2025

This isn’t the first time MLB has taken strong action against disruptive fans. In 2023, a fan who ran onto the field and confronted Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. received a similar indefinite ban. MLB has consistently enforced strict consequences for actions that threaten player safety or disrupt the game.

While some Yankees fans may see the ban as harsh, MLB’s decisive action reinforces its commitment to protecting players and maintaining a secure environment for everyone involved. The indefinite ban serves as a clear warning that fan misconduct will not be tolerated.