Yankees fan Austin Capobianco opened up about his night of infamy in an interview with Barstool Sports on Wednesday night, saying this was a moment years in the making.
Capobianco was barred from Game 5 of the World Series after cartoonishly attempting to interfere with Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts on a pop-out in foul territory on Tuesday night.
Capobianco said his friend who grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Nashville came and joined him for the game and that they’ve always had a pact to interfere with an opponent if the opportunity arose in a big moment.
Warning: Graphic language
Capobianco said he has had season tickets in those seats in the first row on the right field line and has been to every home playoff game since 2011.
“We talked about it. If we’re on the field, we’re D-ing up our fans from being stupid and causing interference that [costs the Yankees an out when they’re in the field],” Capobianco said on the “Barstool Rundown.”
“In that situation, ideally we would’ve hit the ball while it was in the air — we’re not reaching into the field of play. We would have if it came down to that, but that ball was on the wall. It was in my mouth, basically, and I go, ‘I can’t not do something right now.’”
He explained his logic of trying to tear the ball out of Betts’ mitt.
“It was pretty secure. Once you put your hand on the glove you’re getting booted no matter what. So I might as well just f–king rip the thing out,” Capobianco said.
“The best was when [my friend] just grabbed the arm. It was f–king hilarious in the video.”
Eventually, Capobianco acknowledged that his friend “crossed the line” by grabbing Betts’ arm.
Capobianco emphasized that there was “no racial s–t” said to Betts during the incident.
The Bombers fan said he had familiarity with Yankees security because “peasant[s]” sitting behind him have frequently complained about him standing up in front of them and cheering during the games.
Capobianco went to Billy’s near Yankee Stadium after the ejection and said he spent the rest of the night “slamming drinks.”
The Yankees announced Wednesday that Capobianco’s tickets were redistributed to a pediatric cancer patient and his family.