Fans who interfered banned from G5, tickets given to pediatric cancer patient

NEW YORK -- The two fans who interfered with Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series and were ejected from Yankee Stadium for “unacceptable physical contact” will not be allowed back for Game 5, the Yankees announced on Wednesday.

Instead, the Yankees said that the fans’ tickets for Game 5 (and additional ones in the same section) have been re-distributed to a pediatric cancer patient and his family.

Calvin Young, 15, of Bergenfield, N.J., was one of approximately 80 children from families battling pediatric cancer invited to a “Kids Only” press conference at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 13, at which Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Rizzo, Jose Trevino and Marcus Stroman fielded questions from the children.

While walking from his car to the stadium that day, Young became very ill and weak and was not able to attend the press conference or stay for the game. He was re-admitted to a hospital and underwent surgery. As he recovered, Rizzo sent a video message, relaying that the Yankees would love to have him as their guests at the Stadium when able.

He will attend Game 5 with his mother, Jackie Teel, and his two brothers, Trevor (14) and Everett (11). It will be the first time any of them have been to a postseason game at Yankee Stadium.

Tuesday's fan interference incident happened in the bottom of the first inning of the Yankees' 11-4 win over the Dodgers on Tuesday. The club released the following statement announcing the decision:

“Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts.

"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.

"Tonight marks the final home game of year, and we want every ounce of our fans’ passion on display. Yankee Stadium is known for its energy and intensity, however the exuberance of supporting one’s team can never cross the line into intentionally putting players at physical risk.

"The Yankees and Major League Baseball maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward the type of behavior displayed last night. These fans will not be permitted to attend tonight’s game in any capacity.”

Betts was making a play along the wall on Gleyber Torres' foul fly ball down the right-field line. As he leaped to make the catch above the boundary, two Yankees fans in the first row interfered with him. One fan grabbed Betts' glove with both hands and pried the baseball out, while the other seized hold of Betts' right hand. Torres was called out due to fan interference on the play.

Torres was called out due to fan interference on the play. The two fans were ejected from the game.

Game 5 of the World Series is at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET, with the Yankees trailing three games to one. The two fans will be refunded for the cost of their tickets.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone supported the decision to ban the offending fans from Game 5.

“They shouldn’t be here,” Boone said. “What happened last night is not OK. It shouldn’t happen, period.”

Some of Betts’ Dodgers teammates had strong reactions.

Los Angeles pitcher Ben Casparius, who started the game and was on the mound for the incident, said, "I've never seen anything like it."

Dodgers shortstop Tommy Edman said, "That looked ridiculous from my perspective. The guy was trying to yank his glove off, pulling at his wrist. Looked like he got ejected, and I’m glad he did. I’ve never seen anything like that. That was unacceptable."