Rob Gronkowski has connection to interfering Yankees fan

Former NFL player Rob Gronkowski. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Rob Gronkowski reveals surprising connection to Yankees fan behind World Series interference

By Conor Killmurray | Last updated Oct 30, 2024 11:07 PM ET

When New York Yankees fan Austin Capobianco made the head-scratching decision to pry a foul ball out of the glove of Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series, he instantly went viral. Presumably, many of his friends and family saw his antics on national television, but there was one old friend who wasn't expecting to see him on his TV: Rob Gronkowski.

The four-time Super Bowl-winning tight end went on "Up & Adams" to discuss the latest action in the NFL, but also revealed Capobianco was an old friend from his days at the University of Arizona. Gronkowski spent three years playing football as a Wildcat, and crossed paths with Capobianco and his fellow "maniacs" on the club ice hockey team.

Based on their partying past together, Gronkowski wasn't surprised Capobianco pulled such a shocking stunt.

OF COURSE Gronk was college friends with the #Yankees fan who interfered with Mookie Betts glove last night

"He's a beauty. I just wanna say congratulations for SHINING when your moment came."@RobGronkowski @heykayadams @Yankees pic.twitter.com/dqRPpI1job
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 30, 2024

"Him doing that represents him very well. I mean, he is all in for his teams, he is all in for the Yankees," Gronkowski explained to show host Kay Adams. "I remember him talking about the Yankees all the time, and he loves them so much. That describes him perfectly, just doing whatever it takes to help his team out. He's a beauty."

When Adams pointed out that Capobianco could've hurt Betts, Gronkowski agreed, saying that his behavior was uncalled for, but that sometimes fans are just going to do whatever it takes to help their team. Of course, this did nothing to help the Yankees as the play was called an out due to fan interference.

Capobianco, along with his friend John Peter, who grabbed Betts' non-gloved hand, was ejected from Game 4 on Tuesday and subsequently banned from Game 5 at Yankee Stadium, according to ESPN. Gronkowski later took to social media to reaffirm his affection for Capobianco, confirming his maniac status.

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

It's unfortunate Gronkowski celebrated Capobianco's actions when fan behavior that could endanger players shouldn't be condoned. It was ultimately useless and the Yankees went on to win the game 11-4.

Conor Killmurray

Conor Killmurray is a long-suffering fan of New York sports, particularly the Giants and Mets—a potent combination for heartbreak, if you ask him. He graduated from West Chester University with a degree in English and enjoys searching for the most interesting sports stories to write about.

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