The New York Yankees banned some fans after they interacted with Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in Game 4. The ban will take effect from Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday night.
In a statement released by the team condemned the act, which has put some players at risk physically, they noted that as the final game of the year, they were happy with the constant display of passion, energy and intensity. The statement further noted that the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.
The statement further noted that the team and Major League Baseball maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward the behaviour displayed last night and confirmed that the set of fans would not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.
The play occurred in the bottom of the first when Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres hit a fly ball into foul territory. Betts jumped before hitting the wall to make the catch, but two fans grabbed his glove, attempting to dislodge the ball. One held Betts’ arm while trying to get the ball out.
Betts noted that when it comes to the person actively in play, it does not matter who the person is, explaining that if they lost, it would accept the result and act with a high level of responsibility. Betts explained that they lost the game, that they were fine with the result, and that the team needed to put the result behind them and be ready for the next match tomorrow.
In the game, the Yankees kept their season alive for at least one more game with an 11-4 win over the Dodgers in Game 4. Regardless of the outcome, Wednesday’s game will be the last one at Yankee Stadium for the 2024 season.
If the Yankees win Game 5, the series will return to Los Angeles for at least one more game. The Dodgers can win their second World Series title in the last five seasons with one more victory.
