New York Yankees fan interference nullifies home run in playoffs

During the third game of the American League Division Series between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays, a fan's interference altered a critical play at Yankee Stadium. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Rays leading 4-2, Anthony Volpe hit a ball that appeared to be a potential home run. As Tampa Bay outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. attempted to make a play at the wall, a Yankees fan reached over the barrier and caught the ball while it was still in play.

Following a video replay review, Major League Baseball (MLB) officials determined that the spectator had interfered with the ball while it was still on the field of play. Consequently, the home run was nullified. MLB issued a statement confirming that the ball would not have left the field or been caught otherwise, ruling that the interference occurred on the field. The umpires awarded a run and placed the batter-runner at second base.