Public ‘Embarrassed’ by Yankees Fans Grabbing the Ball from Mookie Betts at Game – Why Did the Two Men Do It?
Gunning for Torres’ ball, Betts made a sharp dash toward the wall in foul territory after the Yankees player had just sent a high pop-up arching toward the stands.
With impressive speed and precision, Betts leaped at the wall, with his gloved hand perfectly positioned for what looked like a routine out. Yet, in that split second, two hands reached down from the first row, disrupting the play and sparking an eruption of controversy.
Video footage that went viral on platforms like YouTube shows Betts reaching high above the low barrier separating him from the crowd. Just as the ball nestled into his glove, a Yankees fan in a jersey — later identified as Austin Capobianco — latched onto Betts’ glove with both hands.
With a defiant grin, Capobianco yanked Betts’ glove, loosening the baseball player’s grip on the ball. Almost simultaneously, Capobianco’s friend, John Peter, reached down and clasped Betts’ free hand, completing the interference.
Betts’ reaction was immediate and unmistakable. His expression, which was a blend of frustration and disbelief, told the story of an athlete robbed of a moment that had seemed securely within his grasp.
Right-field umpire Mark Carlson was quick to make a call, ruling Torres out due to fan interference. Security also responded swiftly, escorting Capobianco and Peter from the stadium.
Speaking to ESPN after the incident, Capobianco unabashedly defended his actions. As a Yankees season-ticket holder, he admitted that he and Peter had often joked about scenarios where they’d help their team if a foul ball drifted into their section.
“We’re not going to go out of our way to attack. If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up,” explained Capobianco, who went to a nearby bar after the game. He painted the moment as a commitment to seizing every opportunity to tilt the game in favor of the Yankees — even if it meant prying the ball from the hands of an opposing player.
