Mookie Betts fan interference: Astros fan involved says it's 'about the worst call' he's ever seen

HOUSTON -- The Astros fan who was ruled to have interfered with a potential Jose Altuve home run in the first inning of Game 4 of the ALCS on Wednesday called the ruling "about the worst call" he has ever seen as a sports fan.

Troy Caldwell, a lifelong Astros fan, was called for fan interference after making contact with Mookie Betts on Altuve's long fly ball in the first. A home run would have tied the game, 2-2.

"(Betts) came over," Caldwell said. "I was (on my side of) the line. I don't understand even what happened. I was (on my side of) the line and I had my hands out. I've got 800 pictures that already came (to my phone). I'm (on my side), got my hand out and the ball hit my hand. I never touched his glove. I don't understand why they said it wasn't a home run."

Caldwell was not ejected from Minute Maid Park, instead being warned by stadium security. He said his phone was blowing up with texts and Facebook messages from people who recognized him on television.

Asked for his thoughts on umpire Joe West, who ruled that the play was interference, Caldwell was succinct.

"I don't think it's appropriate for the papers," he said.

"That ball was gone, no matter what," he added. "My hand wasn't over the yellow. My hand was right here and it hit my hand so it was a home run, no matter what."

Caldwell hoped that his involvement in the play wouldn't alter the result of a pivotal Game 4 for his Astros.

"As long as the Astros come back and win this, we'll be alright," he said. "Otherwise I'll need security to escort me out of this place so I don't get attacked."

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