Yankees fans barred for trying to take souvenirs

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Two New York Yankees fans accused of trying to steal souvenirs on the opening night of the last season at historic Yankee Stadium were arrested and had their season tickets canceled, the Yankees said on Wednesday.

The team said two fans were arrested during Tuesday's baseball game for trying to steal bunting -- the flag-like adornment brought out for big games -- and causing damage to the bunting and facade.

They could face up to a year in prison if convicted on charges of attempted larceny and criminal mischief, the team said.

Yankees Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost said there would be no leniency for fans trying to take a piece of history.

"This type of destructive behavior will not be tolerated from the first game of the season through the last," he said.

The Yankees launched their last season at Yankee Stadium with a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

The stadium opened in 1923 and became known as "The House That Ruth Built" after the team's famed slugger, Babe Ruth, and was rebuilt on the same spot in 1974 and 1975.

It will be replaced next season by a new Yankee Stadium being built across the street from the old ballpark in the Bronx.

(Reporting by Claudia Parsons, editing by Daniel Trotta and Vicki Allen)