Two New York Yankees fans have been banned from Yankee Stadium for Game 5 of the World Series after a controversial incident during Tuesday’s Game 4 led to their ejection. The fans were seen ripping a ball from Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts’ glove, resulting in swift consequences from the Yankees and Major League Baseball (MLB). In a compassionate gesture, the seats left vacant by the ejected fans were instead gifted to a pediatric cancer patient and his family.

The incident occurred in the first inning when Betts pursued a foul ball hit by Yankees’ second baseman Gleyber Torres near the right-field wall. As Betts appeared to catch the ball, fans in the front row forcibly interfered, prying open his glove and seizing the ball. Security quickly responded, escorting the two fans out of the stadium. According to an MLB source, the league then collaborated with the Yankees to ensure the fans would not be allowed to attend Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday night.

In a statement, the Yankees emphasized the priority of maintaining a safe environment for players, fans, and stadium staff. “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,” the statement read.

As a result of the ban, the Yankees made the decision to gift the seats to Patrick, a 15-year-old pediatric cancer patient from New Jersey, who had long hoped to attend a Yankees game. Diagnosed with a rare DSRCT sarcoma in June 2023, Patrick was previously set to attend a “Kids Only” press event in September with select Yankees players. However, he was unable to attend due to a sudden illness that led to surgery.

The Yankees reached out to Patrick’s family to offer them seats for Wednesday’s playoff game, granting Patrick, his mother, and his two younger brothers a memorable night at the ballpark.

This gesture reflects a meaningful outreach by the Yankees organization, highlighting their commitment to the community and providing a bright moment amid the World Series intensity for a young fan who had missed out on his chance to attend earlier in the season.