NEW YORK — The Yankees fan who interfered with a catch being made by Dodgers proper fielder Mookie Betts throughout Tuesday’s World Sequence recreation advised The Occasions that he was simply “too passionate” and “probably crossed the line.”
Austin Capobianco, a 38-year-old fan from Connecticut, was banned from attending Sport 5 within the Bronx Wednesday for grabbing Betts’ mitt and showing to twist the participant’s wrist after Betts reached into the stands to catch a foul ball hit by Gleyber Torres. Capobianco stated he was attempting to steal the ball from Betts to assist his favourite staff.
“I’m a way too passionate fan that probably crossed the line last night,” Capobianco stated in a textual content message to The Occasions. “All I wanted to do was avoid that from being an out.”
His efforts and people of a second fan did trigger the ball to squirt out of Betts’ glove, however Torres was known as out anyway due to the interference.
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In an ESPN interview after the Yankees’ 11-4 win, Capobianco stated that his actions and people of his seatmate, John Peter, had been premeditated.
“We always joke about the ball in our area,” ESPN quoted the season ticket holder saying. “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.”
In texts with The Occasions, the self-described superfan stated that he didn’t trade any phrases with the Dodgers outfielder and denied utilizing any racial epithets for Betts. He stated some folks had accused him of utilizing racial slurs.
Capobianco additionally recommended Betts as a participant.
“He so damn good and that play he made was impressive. World Series juices and desperation kicked in and that was the result,” Capobianco stated.
If the Yankees had walked Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman as an alternative of giving up a two-run dwelling run within the prime half of that inning, Capobianco added, that may have modified his “attitude or thought process during that play, but then again maybe not.”
In an announcement, the Yankees stated Capobianco and a second fan who interfered with Betts wouldn’t be allowed into the stadium “in any capacity” for Sport 5. “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,” stated the staff, which trails the collection three video games to at least one.
Capobianco additionally had a message for his staff for the soon-to-come offseason.
“Sign Soto,” Capobianco wrote.
