An unforgettable incident took place during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series when Mookie Betts, a Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder, made a remarkable catch in right-field foul territory at Yankee Stadium in the first inning.
Despite successfully catching the ball, two fans immediately tried to snatch it from Betts’ glove, seemingly unaware that it wouldn’t change the call. One fan was captured on camera attempting to open Betts’ glove to retrieve the ball, while the other held onto Betts’ wrist to prevent him from moving the glove.
“Well, A for effort.”
Fan interference was called on this play where a Yankee fan tried to take the ball out of Mookie Betts’ glove after an out. pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2024
The umpires ruled it as fan interference, giving Betts the out. The two fans were escorted out of the stadium and banned from attending Game 5.
After the game, Betts commented, “I’ve never seen anything like that,” maintaining his composure.
Months later, in a special interview with comedians Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson on their Peacock show “Back That Year Up 2024,” Betts candidly expressed his frustration towards the fans’ interference.
“I would really say ‘F*** you guys,'” Betts responded when asked about the incident. “I get them trying to get the ball. Cool. But, like, you tried to grab my s***.”
“I was in the moment,” he added. “So I thought about throwing a ball at ’em. And then I realized, ‘Mook, you ain’t gonna do s***. Go back to right field.”
Mookie Betts has finally responded to the Yankees fans that tried to violate him in the World Series:
“I would really say f**k you guys.”
“I thought about throwing the ball at them & then I realized Mook you ain’t gonna do sh*t, go back to right field!”
Via Hartbeat/TT pic.com/LKfauBAfnf
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 26, 2024
Betts maintained his focus, continued to perform well throughout the series, and ultimately led the Dodgers to win the World Series. His resilience and skill on the field prevailed over the fan interference incident.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers are considering moving Betts to the infield to play second base or shortstop in the upcoming season. This strategic shift may reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future. The Dodgers will face the Yankees in a series next season, but this time, the games will be played at Dodger Stadium.