Skip to main content
Join Now

Houston Astros fan rips foul ball out of Mike Trout's glove, relocated to different section

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•04/12/25•

griffin_mcveigh

Mike Trout
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

A weird situation unfolded Saturday night in Houston with the Astros hosting their AL West foe, the Los Angeles Angels. Mike Trout is still new to playing right field and had his first real interaction with a fan while a ball was in play. One Trout walked away from quite unhappy.

Yainer Diaz hit a foul ball down the right field line and Trout felt as if he could make a play to end the bottom half of the second inning. Seemingly having made the catch, a fan ripped the ball out of his glove and emerged with the now-souviner.

Trout argued fan interference should be called but the umpires instead called a foul ball. Looking at the replay, you can see instant regret from the fan, even attempting to give Trout the ball back. Angels manager Ron Washington attempted to argue the call but no review took place, continuing on.

Unfortunately, security was quick on the scene. The fan was relocated from his seat and escorted to a different section of Daikin Park. You can check out the full moment here.

If this scenario looks similar, you might remember Game 4 of the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium. Two fans pulled a similar stunt on Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts. They did not look as remorseful as Saturday’s culprit, instead celebrating. MLB went on to ban both fans from attending a game in the future.

“In every case of spectator interference with a batted or thrown ball, the ball shall be declared dead and the baserunners can be placed where the umpire determines they would have been without the interference,” the rule reads, which went viral during the World Series incident

“When a spectator clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball by reaching onto the field of play, the batter shall be ruled out. But no interference is called if a spectator comes in contact with a batted or thrown ball without reaching onto the field of play — even if a fielder might have caught the ball had the spectator not been there.”

From an Angels’ perspective, they will be thankful the Astros were not able to take advantage. One pitch later, Tyler Anderson was able to force a pop-out to right field. Trout was the one to make the play and get the game into the third inning. A weird moment and one where thankfully, nobody got injured.