Yankee Fan Ejected After Home Run Interference Controversy
Spectator interference call overturned Anthony Volpe's game-tying home run, leading to fan's removal from stadium.
A New York Yankees fan was escorted out of Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night after interfering with a ball hit by batter Anthony Volpe. The incident occurred in the bottom of the sixth inning during ALDS Game 3 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The fan, wearing a dark blue bomber jacket, reached over the outfield wall in left field to catch a fly ball hit by Volpe. The play initially resulted in what would have been a game-tying home run, but a lengthy review led to the call being overturned due to spectator interference.
Video footage showed the fan being led out of the stands by NYPD officers and stadium security. Another fan, wearing a Yankees jacket and cap, was seen exiting with him. Witnesses reported that fans in the vicinity did not react strongly to the spectator's removal.
Major League Baseball issued a statement confirming the interference call after reviewing "all relevant angles." The league determined that the ball would not have left the playing field nor been caught had the spectator not intervened. Consequently, the home run was overturned, one run was scored, and Volpe was placed at second base.
This event drew comparisons to the infamous Jeffrey Maier incident in the 1996 ALCS, where a fan's interference with a Derek Jeter home run also led to controversy.
The Yankees ultimately lost the game 4-3, ending their season with the sweep by the Rays in the ALDS.