Mookie Betts’ 2024 World Series glove grab incident resurfaces ahead of Yankees rematch

Mookie Betts’ glove became the target of Yankees fans during the 2024 World Series-and the fallout still stings for the Dodgers star.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees will square off in the Bronx for the first time since the Fall Classic, reigniting old rivalries. But one moment from that series refuses to fade: a Yankees fan yanking Betts’ glove mid-play, sparking fan interference and a lifetime ban for the culprit.

What happened in Game 3 of the 2024 World Series?

On October 26, 2024, Betts-then the Dodgers’ right fielder-made a leaping grab for a foul ball at Yankee Stadium. As he secured the out, a fan lunged for Betts’ glove, pried the ball loose, and handed it to another fan in the stands. The play was ruled fan interference, nullifying the out and adding to the Dodgers’ eventual four-game sweep of the Yankees.

The fan, later identified by MLB, received a lifetime ban from all ballparks. He told *The Athletic*’s Brendan Kuty the incident haunted him and his family, calling it a “terrible impact” on their lives.

Why the moment still matters for Mookie Betts

Betts now plays shortstop-a position far from the outfield’s chaos. But the 2024 incident remains a stark reminder of the risks players face from overzealous fans. DMAC, a Dodgers personality, joked that Yankees fans won’t get another shot at injuring Betts now that he’s in the infield.

Joez McFly of Jomboy Media-himself a Yankees fan-admitted he likes Betts despite the rivalry. “I actually like Mookie Betts a lot,” he said. “I’m really happy he’s a Dodger and not a Red Sock. Biggest mistake they ever made.”

What’s next for the Dodgers and Yankees?

The teams meet in New York for the first time since the 2024 series, with Yankees Stadium primed for its usual raucous atmosphere. Betts, however, is unlikely to repeat his outfield adventures. McFly predicted the star would steer clear of the bleachers this time around.

For Betts, the reunion is a chance to focus on the field-not the fans. The Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 title, will look to prove they’re more than a one-hit wonder when the series kicks off in the Bronx.