Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
Fans can play a big part in a team’s success. Twins fans thundered so loudly in the Metrodome that it threw other teams off. But there is a subsection of fans who literally cross the line and interfere with the actual game. Here are some of the most egregious ones:
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The Two Yankees Fans Who Grabbed Mookie Betts’ Glove (2024 World Series)
In a shocking moment during Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, two Yankees fans reached over the right field wall and grabbed Mookie Betts’ glove as he attempted to make a crucial catch. The interference resulted in both fans being ejected and subsequently banned from all MLB ballparks, marking one of the most controversial fan incidents in recent World Series history.
The Dodger Stadium Fan Interference That Kept Yankees Scoreless (2024 World Series)
Just days after the Betts incident, another fan made headlines by reaching over the wall at Dodger Stadium, negating what would have been a crucial Yankees run. The moment highlighted the impact spectators can have on baseball’s biggest stage, leading to heated debates about extended netting and fan conduct policies.
The Controversial Altuve-Betts Fan Interference in Houston (2018 ALCS)
Yes, Betts again. During Game 4 of the 2018 ALCS, Jose Altuve’s potential home run was ruled an out due to fan interference with the then-Red Sox outfielder’s attempt to make a catch. The controversial call shifted momentum in the series and became one of the most debated playoff moments in recent memory.
The Steve Bartman Incident: Eight Outs from Cubs’ Heaven (2003)
In Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS, Cubs fan Steve Bartman deflected a foul ball that left fielder Moises Alou might have caught, with Chicago just five outs away from their first World Series since 1945. The moment became a symbol of the Cubs’ curse and changed one fan’s life forever.
Jeffrey Maier: The 12-Year-Old Who Changed Yankees History (1996)
During Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS, 12-year-old Jeffrey Maier reached over the right field wall to pull Derek Jeter’s fly ball into the stands for a home run. The controversial play helped launch a Yankees dynasty and turned a young fan into an overnight celebrity.
Cleveland’s Ten Cent Beer Night: When 25,000 Fans Forced a Forfeit (1974)
What started as a promotional night ended in chaos when thousands of inebriated fans stormed the field with weapons and fireworks, forcing the Indians to forfeit to the Rangers. The incident remains baseball’s most notorious example of fan interference gone horribly wrong.
The Cubs Dad Who Caught a Foul Ball While Feeding His Baby (2015)
In a moment that went viral, a quick-thinking Cubs fan managed to snag a foul ball while holding and feeding his infant child, interfering with Adrian Gonzalez’s attempt to make the play. The incident sparked debates about fan safety but ultimately became a heartwarming moment in baseball history.
Joey Votto’s Famous ‘You’re a Reds Fan!’ Moment (2016)
When Joey Votto initially got upset at a fan for interfering with a foul ball, the moment took an unexpected turn after he discovered it was a Reds supporter. His subsequent apology and gift of a signed baseball transformed potential controversy into one of baseball’s most endearing fan interactions.
When Fans Stormed Yankee Stadium Before Chambliss Could Touch Home (1976)
Chris Chambliss’s walk-off homer to win the 1976 ALCS sparked such wild celebrations that he couldn’t initially touch home plate. The Yankees slugger had to return later to officially complete his historic home run trot, creating one of baseball’s most unique fan interference moments.