Footage of a Yankees fan attempting to snatch the ball from a Dodgers player during the baseball World Series has sparked widespread anger.
The popular American sport often comes with its fair share of drama, but when a fan from the stands intervenes, it takes the excitement to another level.
In what is considered one of the most unusual moments in World Series lore, a New York Yankees fan was caught on camera seizing the glove of Los Angeles Dodgers player Mookie Betts, prying it open, and extracting the baseball from within.
The situation unfolded when Betts leaped at the wall to attempt a catch, only to be stunned when a fan snatched the ball from his grasp.
After the game, Betts addressed the media, saying: “When it comes to the person in play, it doesn’t matter. We lost. It’s irrelevant. I’m fine. He’s fine. Everything’s cool. We lost the game and that’s what I’m kind of focused on. We got to turn the page and get ready for tomorrow.”
ESPN and The Athletic later identified the fan as Austin Capobianco, a 38-year-old Yankees season-ticket holder from Connecticut.
Capobianco’s companion, John Peter, assisted by grabbing Betts’ non-glove hand, facilitating Capobianco’s attempt to seize the ball.
Capobianco discussed the incident with ESPN, noting that both he and Peter were removed from the stadium as a result.
He recounted to ESPN their premeditated plans, should such an opportunity arise: “We always joke about the ball in our area,” Capobianco stated. “We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.
“Someone defends, someone knocks the ball. We talk about it. We’re willing to do this.”
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with one Twitter user commenting: “This is actually unbelievable.”
ESPN journalist Kevin Negandhi remarked: “The fact that these two Yankee fans acted like they didn’t do anything wrong… one held Mookie’s glove.. other one grabs Mookie’s hand and won’t let go. If this was done in Philly, social media would’ve melted down.”
Another social media user added: “Clowns. What an embarrassment for the entire region.”