Tennessee prep legend mugged at Yankee Stadium during World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts, the pride of Nashville's John Overton High, has a baseball pried from his glove by a fan during Game 4 of the 2024 Fall Classic

Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts (50), after making a catch in foul territory against the New York Yankees in the first inning during game four of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium, has the baseball ripped from his glove by a fan. / Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Visitors to New York City often fear getting mugged on the streets of the Big Apple. In fact, a 2023 poll by Siena College stated that 61% of New York city residents share the same concern. Professional athletes visiting New York usually do not have the same concerns, at least while they are within the confines of the stadiums and arenas where they apply their craft.

Unfortunately those boundaries did not protect Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts, the pride and joy of John Overton High School in Nashville, Tuesday evening during Game 4 of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Betts was litterally mugged by a pair of Yankee fans in the bottom of the first inning.

The incident occurred after Betts, who was playing right-field for the Dodgers, ventured into foul territory down the right field line and reached above the wall to catch a foul pop off the bat of New York's Gleyber Torres. Before Betts could bring the ball back into the field of play, his glove hand was grabbed by a fan in the first row, wearing a Yankees' jersey. The fan held Betts' glove with one hand while using his other hand to pull open the glove and pry the ball loose. As Betts struggled to free his arm from the mugger's grip, another fan grabbed at Betts' throwing hand.

"Well, A for effort."

Fan interference was called on this play where a Yankee fan tried to take the ball out of Mookie Betts' glove after an out. pic.twitter.com/iZ6taImncd

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 30, 2024

Fortunately, Betts was not injured and the action of the fans were not rewarded. Not only did the first fan clumsily fumble his would-be souvenir back onto the field, the actions of both two fans were witnessed by a world-wide television audience and they were promptly ejected from Yankee Stadium. Umpires quickly ruled fan interference and the Torres was called out. The bad news for Betts and the Dodgers, however, is that they eventually suffered an 11-4 loss that prevented them from sweeping the series. They still lead, 3-1, in the best of seven series.

This is hardly the first ugly scene to take place in the Bronx at both Yankee Stadiums.

In 1996, then 12-year old Yankees fan Jeffrey Maier reached over the right-field wall and deflected a ball hit by Derek Jeter, turning a potential out into a controversial home run against the Baltimore Orioles. Orioles players and fans were livid, as the umpires ruled it a home run rather than fan interference, swinging the momentum in the Yankees' favor. Maier’s action sparked national debate over the role of fan interference and forever etched this moment into Yankee Stadium’s history.

During a 2000 Subway Series game between the Yankees and the Mets, fans threw baseballs and bottles onto the field, leading to a 10-minute delay as officials tried to regain control.

More subtle, yet persistent, incidents include fans’ infamous heckling and hostile treatment of rival players. Yankee Stadium is known for its “Bleacher Creatures,” a section of fans who create a raucous environment. While generally in good spirit, the behavior occasionally spills over into hostility. Yankee Stadium has also been the site of countless brawls in the stands, as emotions run high in critical games, leading to confrontations between fans of rival teams.

Betts, who is attempting to become a World Series champion for a third time, showed signs of his extraordinary talent early on in his high school baseball career. Growing up in Nashville, Betts was a multi-sport athlete at Overton between 2007-2011. Though he excelled in both basketball and bowling, it was his performance on the baseball diamond that ultimately defined his trajectory toward professional sports.

As a high school athlete, Betts was known for his remarkable speed, quick reflexes, and innate baseball IQ. His primary position was shortstop, although he later transitioned to second base and, eventually, the outfield in his professional career. Betts displayed a rare combination of speed and power. By his junior year, it was apparent he had the potential to play at a high level, as he was already attracting attention from scouts and college recruiters.

Betts’ batting abilities stood out early on. His hand-eye coordination allowed him to make consistent contact. He hit for both average and power, demonstrating the versatility that would later become his trademark in the MLB. Betts’ swing mechanics were polished for a high school player and he could adjust to off-speed pitches effectively, rarely striking out and consistently reaching base. In his senior year, Betts had a batting average of .509, cementing his status as one of the top high school players in Tennessee. As a junior he hit .548 and stole 24 bases.

On the basepaths, Betts was equally formidable. Known for his incredible speed, he stole bases with ease. He ran a 6.5-second 60-yard dash. His agility and awareness allowed him to steal not only bases but also runs, turning many singles and doubles into scoring opportunities.

Betts’ defensive skills were also exceptional. As a shortstop, he had the range, arm strength, and footwork necessary to make plays across the infield.

By the end of his high school career, Betts had committed to play college baseball for the University of Tennessee on a scholarship. However, the Boston Red Sox selected him in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. Betts ultimately chose to forego college baseball to pursue his dream in the major leagues, a decision that paid off spectacularly.

As a high school basketball player at Overton, Betts was named MVP of the Class 3A-District 12 league during his senior year. He averaged 14.1 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals per game that season and was named Class AAA All-City Player of the year in Nashville. He also excelled as a bowler and was named Tennessee Bowler of the Year in 2010 when he posted a high score of 290.