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• With one out in the 5th inning of Game 2 of the 2007 American League Division Series, 17-year old Boston Red Sox fan Danny Vinik legally interfered with an attempt to catch a foul ball by Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim catcher Jeff Mathis. Because Mathis reached into the stands in foul territory, baseball rules do not recognize this as fan interference. The batter, Manny Ramirez, would eventually walk, and Mike Lowell would follow with a sacrifice fly that tied the game at 3-3. Later, Ramirez would win the game with a walk-off 3-run home run, giving the Red Sox a 2-0 lead in their series.

• Fast Facts

  1. Comparisons immediately were made to other 'fan interference' plays made by Steve Bartman in 2003 and Jeffrey Maier in 1996.
  2. Cubs fan Bartman prevented Cubs outfielder Moises Alou from catching a foul ball near the left field stands for an out. The resulting momentum allowed the Florida Marlins to come from behind in that game and eventually defeat the Cubs for the National League title.
  3. Yankees fan Maier famously reached over the right field wall and interfered with a Derek Jeter hit fly ball that would have been likely caught by Baltimore Orioles outfield Tony Tarasco. The play was incorrectly ruled a home run, and the Yankees would go to win the game and the World Series

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Manny Ramirez | Boston Red Sox | Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | Mike Lowell | Francisco Rodriguez | Jeff Mathis | Steve Bartman | Jeffrey Maier | MLB Playoffs

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