CNN
—
Two New York Yankees fans ejected from Game 4 of the World Series after ripping the ball from Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts’ glove will be banned from Yankee Stadium for Wednesday’s Game 5.
The Yankees told CNN that seats vacated by banned fans were donated to a New Jersey pediatric cancer patient and his family.
Diagnosed with DSRCT sarcoma in June 2023, 15-year-old Calvin was on hand to attend a “Kids Only” press conference with select Yankees players in September. But Calvin fell ill on the way to the ballpark and wound up at the hospital, where the Yankees say he will undergo surgery.
The Yankees contacted the family Wednesday, and Calvin, his mother and his two younger brothers were gifted tickets to their first playoff game at Yankee Stadium.
The incident that sparked the series happened in the first inning of Game 4 on Tuesday. Betts ran down the right field line and toward the corner wall in an attempt to catch a foul ball from Yankees second baseman Kleyber Torres. After Betts appeared to catch the ball, one of the fans in the front row opened the outfielder’s glove, the ball came loose, and another grabbed the Dodgers star’s other hand.
According to ESPN, fans were under the impression that they would be allowed to attend Wednesday’s Game 5. However, an MLB source told CNN that the league had spoken with the Yankees to let the club know that the two fans would be banned starting Wednesday. game. The Yankees, an MLB source said, agree.
“Two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium last night for abusive and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. The safety and security of players, fans and stadium staff is a fundamental component of every event at Yankee Stadium and cannot be compromised,” a statement from the Yankees said.
“Tonight marks the final home game of the year and we want to showcase every ounce of passion from our fans. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, although the excitement of supporting one’s team can never cross the line to deliberately putting players in physical danger.
“The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero tolerance policy for the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be allowed to attend tonight’s game under any circumstances.
Betts reacted angrily to the incident and Torres was ejected by the referee for fan interference.
“A Far Effort,” Joe Davis on Fox Commentary He said. Former eight-time All-Star pitcher and color commentator John Smoltz added: “Well, he won’t be watching the game much longer.”
videos Social media later showed the two fans being escorted out of Yankee Stadium by security, exchanging high-fives with fellow New York fans on their way out. A fan said Sports reporter Rustin Todd said the fan was a “hero … it was a championship game.”
It is said that the fan ripped the ball from Betts’ glove Recognized by ESPN As a Yankees season-ticket holder, he attended the game with a friend.
According to ESPN, the pair had previously discussed what to do if a foul ball came their way.
“We always joke about ball in our area,” an identified fan said at a local bar after the game, according to ESPN. “We’re not going to go out on the attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going ‘T’ up. Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We are ready to do this.
2024 World Series Best Pictures
The Yankees defeated the Dodgers 11–4 and held off a 3–1 series sweep in LA’s favor. No team has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit in the Fall Classic.
“It didn’t matter,” Betts said later when asked about the incident. “We lost, it’s irrelevant. I’m fine, he’s fine, everything’s great. We lost the game, that’s all I’m focused on, turn the page. It’s all good.”
Betts’ teammate Tommy Edman called the incident “unacceptable”.
“Yeah, that’s ridiculous from my perspective,” the Dodgers shortstop said. “The guy tried to take his glove off, pulled his wrist. … It looked like he got ejected, and I’m glad he did. I’ve never seen anything like that.”
This is not the first time in this World Series that Torres’ ball has been affected by fan interference.
In Game 1, Venezuela was awarded a double when he hit a ball toward left field at Dodger Stadium and a fan caught it over the wall.
This story has been updated with additional updates.
CNN’s Omar Jimenez contributed to this report.
