The Yankees may have saved their season with a Game 4 victory over the Dodgers in the World Series, but the reputation of New York’s fans took a hit following a troubling incident involving Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts on Tuesday.
In the first inning of the Yankees’ eventual 11-4 win, Betts leaped against the right-field wall in foul territory to catch a popup from Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres. Although he managed to grab the ball before it hit the stands, he found himself entangled with two Yankees fans. One fan clutched Betts’ wrist as he tried to pull away from the fence, while the other attempted to pry open Betts’ glove to dislodge the ball, hoping to extend Torres’ at-bat.
It was a poor decision, especially since right field umpire Mark Carlson promptly called fan interference on the play, leading to Torres being ruled out.
Both fans were promptly escorted out by Yankee Stadium security following their altercation with Betts. However, after New York’s victory, the two fans informed ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that they were season-ticket holders and were allowed to return for Wednesday’s Game 5 in The Bronx.
This news upset Doug Mientkiewicz, a 2004 World Series champion with the Red Sox, who took to social media to criticize the Yankees on Wednesday morning.
“I heard the Yankees are letting these two idiots attend Game 5,” Mientkiewicz wrote on X. “That’s a terrible look for the Yankees. It’s as bad as your baserunning and defense—really, it’s that bad!”
However, it appears that neither fan will be returning to Yankee Stadium anytime soon.
On Wednesday, the Yankees released a statement confirming that both fans would not be allowed to attend Game 5 as the team tries to avoid elimination in the World Series.
“Last night, two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts,” the statement explained. “The Yankees and Major League Baseball have a zero-tolerance policy for such behavior. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”
Betts chose to take the high road after the incident, shifting his focus to what the Dodgers need to do to eliminate the Yankees in Game 5.
“When it comes to the person involved, it doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game, and that’s what I’m focused on. We need to move on and get ready for tomorrow.”
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