Fans are ripping ESPN’s baseball reporter Jesse Rogers for seemingly painting New York Yankees fan Austin Capobianco in a positive light after he ripped a ball out of Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts’ glove during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series.
With the Yankees facing a sweep, Capobianco – a season ticket holder – took matters into his own hands, literally. Betts tracked down a Gleyber Torres foul ball and snagged it, though after snagging it, Capobianco attempted to grab the ball out of Betts’ glove to prevent the out.
After an official review, the umpires confirmed it was fan interference, with Torres automatically called out as a result. Shortly after the play, Capobianco and another fan, John Peter, were ejected from Yankee Stadium though the two continued to watch the game at a local bar, which is where Rogers spotted them.
Despite Capobianco’s actions, Rogers still attempted to paint him in a positive light as the fan interacted with other Yankees diehards. “I was talking to him at a local bar when a bunch of other fans asked to take a pic with him and for his autograph. He was a beaut,” Rogers’ X post read.
Almost immediately, fans called out Rogers’ post with one writing: “He is not in fact ‘a beaut’ Jesse, he is a loser.” Another wrote: “An ESPN staff member tweeted this?! Lmao… laughable, embarrassing.”
The general consensus among commenters on Rogers’ initial post was that it was in poor taste for the ESPN writer to paint Capobianco’s actions positively. In every subsequent post regarding the incident, fans made sure to remind Rogers that he seemingly defended an unruly fan.
For instance, when Rogers posted an update on X on MLB asking the Yankees to ban the two interfering fans from Game 5, a commenter sarcastically wrote: “I’m sending my condolences. This must be a very difficult time for you.” Another stated: “Couple of beauts, right?”
Finally, when Rogers shared a link to a piece he wrote regarding Capobianco’s interference, commenters again were quick to point out that the ESPN writer took a softer stance on the Yankees fan. “How come in the article it doesn’t specifically say something like this shouldn’t happen again?” a fan noted.
“Nah, —- that and —- you. Don’t walk back that ‘he was a beaut’ sentiment now,” an irate fan responded. Another wrote: “Good job bud. Glorifying the idiot who did this. Give him more of a spotlight. All that is going to speak louder than you saying ‘should not happen again’. What a terrible decision.”
The Yankees released a statement regarding the incident, stating that Capobianco and Peter will not be allowed into the stadium for Game 5. “Last night two fans were ejected from Yankee Stadium for egregious and unacceptable physical contact with Dodgers outfield Mookie Betts,” the statement began.
“Tonight marks the final home fame of the year, and we want every ounce of or 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.”
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