The New York Yankees fan who interfered with Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts’ catch at the wall in Game 4 of the World Series played club hockey for the Arizona Wildcats in college and shares a notable famous connection.
Former Arizona tight end Rob Gronkowski revealed Wednesday that Austin Capobianco was a friend of his.
Austin was a college friend. Very passionate about the teams he represents. Will do anything for them. A menace, wild boy as well, he is the person that undoubtedly would say he would do that then actually do it. Maniac status since college has been confirmed. https://t.co/jkSaiWlr8i
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) October 30, 2024
“This is actually the first time I’m seeing this live,” Gronkowski said on Up & Adams. “Here’s a little fun fact. That guy right there grabbing Mookie Betts’ glove was my friend in college.”
“Gronk, stop it right now,” host Kay Adams said.
“He was on the ice hockey team, the club Arizona Wildcats’ team … and let me tell you, the whole ice hockey team, they were absolute maniacs,” Gronkowski said. “They were indescribable how wild these guys were. Him doing that represents him very well. He is all-in for his teams. He is all-in for the Yankees. I remember him talking about the Yankees. … That describes him perfectly, doing whatever it takes to help his team out.
“He’s a beauty. … I just want to say congratulations for shining when your moment came,” Gronkowski added as Adams responded with bewilderment.
Gronkowski clarified he does not think Capobianco’s actions were OK.
The Yankees apparently agreed and have banned Capobianco, a season-ticket holder, from Game 5.
Capobianco was a key figure on Arizona’s club hockey team as a player.
He was covered by current Portland Trail Blazers assistant general manager and former ESPN NBA Draft analyst Mike Schmitz, who in 2009 was a beat writer for the Daily Wildcat, the University of Arizona’s student newspaper.
Anyway, it’s a small world.