The New York Yankees fans who blatantly interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series on Tuesday night created quite the conundrum for the media covering the game.
On the one hand, it was a unique play that attracted plenty of attention, especially considering the context of it coming in a World Series elimination game between two of baseball’s most high profile teams. On the other, it was obviously problematic behavior, which most would agree shouldn’t be celebrated.
Some, however, believe, that ESPN’s Jesse Rogers did exactly that as he caught up with one of the two fans who was ejected from the game. Taking to X, Rogers revealed that he had chatted with Austin Capobianco at a nearby establishment, where the 38-year-old was posing for pictures with other Yankees fans.
“Meet Austin Capobianco (middle), the fan that interfered with Mookie,” Rogers wrote. “I was talking to him at a local bar when a bunch of other fans asked him to take a pic with him and for his autograph. He was a beaut. Story up soon at ESPN: ‘If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.'”
Meet Austin Capobianco (middle), the fan that interfered with Mookie. I was talking to him at a local bar when a bunch of other fans asked him to take a pic with him and for his autograph. He was a beaut. Story up soon at ESPN: “If it’s in our area, we’re going to ‘D’ up.” pic.twitter.com/0XDpfsifvq
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) October 30, 2024
Rogers’ social media post received immediate pushback from followers, accusing the ESPN reporter of “glorifying” Capobianco’s behavior.
I do not think we should be making a cute human interest story out of this guy? https://t.co/xFmedLzEs0
— Chris Towers is In Baseball Offseason Mode (@CPTowers) October 30, 2024
Never thought I’d see the day where an ESPN writer is publicly celebrating and highlighting a fan doing a classless act but here we are https://t.co/HYJQZeuAyK
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) October 30, 2024
Group of massive losers and so are you for promoting this nonsense behavior https://t.co/Zcan3muY3f
— kalee ✦ (@kaleenicolexo) October 30, 2024
We’re really glorifying assault now, huh
— JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) October 30, 2024
To be sure, Rogers’ tracking down of Capobianco — who appeared to try to rip Betts’ glove off his hand as he attempted to field a foul ball near the stands — was a big get. Although some may disagree with shining a spotlight on somebody due to such behavior, it undeniably added a unique perspective to Rogers’ story about one of the most-talked-about plays of the game.
Conversely, it’s understandable why the reporter’s social media post rubbed many the wrong way. While he wasn’t endorsing the behavior, he also didn’t explicitly condemn it, instead painting Capobianco as a lovable cult hero among the Yankees fanbase.
Only Rogers knows for sure what his intent was — after all, “beaut” could be interpreted multiple ways. But regardless of what it was, it’s clear how the post was received in what was ultimately a tricky situation that most entities seemed to struggle with covering on Tuesday night.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.