Inside The Pinstripes

Yankees, MLB Ban Fan That Hit Alex Verdugo With Baseball For Life

The fan that hit Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo with a baseball at Yankee Stadium on Saturday has been banned for life by the New York Yankees and MLB

Max Goodman

NEW YORK — The fan that hit Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo with a baseball on Saturday night at Yankee Stadium won't be going back to a big-league ballpark any time soon. 

In fact, he's banned from all 30 MLB stadiums for life. 

The Yankees have reportedly banned the fan from Yankee Stadium for the rest of his life, a team spokesperson told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.

Here's the full statement from the Yankees, per Kuty:

“While the Yankees appreciate the spirit and passion of our fans in our various rivalries -- especially with the Red Sox – reckless, disorderly and dangerous behavior that puts the safety of players, field staff or fellow fans in jeopardy will not be tolerated,” the Yankees said in a statement. “There is absolutely no place for it at Yankee Stadium. The safety of everyone at Yankee Stadium, including guests in the stands and players on the field, will always be the top priority for the Yankees organization every time we open our doors.”

Verdugo was struck by the baseball while his back was turned to the left-field bleachers before the bottom of the sixth inning began on Saturday night. 

Fan Hits Alex Verdugo With Baseball From Stands at Yankee Stadium

Tensions rose quickly as Verdugo and his teammates chirped back toward the fans in left field while umpires and officials attempted to locate the individual that threw the baseball. Boston's manager Alex Cora pulled his entire team off the field, delaying the game for several minutes in the pouring rain.

Crew chief and home plate umpire Jeff Nelson revealed to reporters after the game that he was told Verdugo got plunked in the back of the neck. The fan was escorted out of the stadium moments after the incident began.

"It's awful, embarrassing, unacceptable," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the rain-shortened victory. "Hopefully he's in jail right now."

According to Kuty's report, the fan was not arrested, but the Yankees are continuing to meet with local authorities to provide all pertinent information.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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