Second baseman Ketel Marte was left visibly emotional during Tuesday night’s Arizona Diamondbacks matchup against the Chicago White Sox after a fan crossed a line no one should ever approach.
The incident happened during the seventh inning of Arizona’s 4–1 win over the White Sox. While Marte was at the plate, a fan near the field shouted a personal and disgusting comment about his late mother, Elpidia Valdez, who died in a car accident in 2017.
The remark clearly impacted Marte, who later wiped away tears while standing on second base.
Manager Torey Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banister heard the comment and immediately notified security. The fan was quickly removed from Guaranteed Rate Field.
Marte Immediately Consoled By Diamondbacks Coaches And Teammates During Game
Lovullo later said he noticed Marte suddenly lower his head and begin to cry.
Lovullo said, per Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, ‘I love you and I’m with you and we’re all together and you’re not alone. No matter what happens, no matter what was said or what you heard, that guy is an idiot. It shouldn’t have an impact on you.’”
Marte did not speak with reporters after the game.
Earlier in the night, Marte had homered for the Diamondbacks in the first inning. He finished 2-for-4, continuing what has been a strong season for the 30-year-old veteran. But the joy of a good performance quickly took a back seat to something far more personal and painful.
Marte has always been open about his close relationship with his mother. She passed away in the Dominican Republic just days after Marte had spoken with her on the phone, during his first season with Arizona. It was a life-changing moment for him, and one he still carries with him daily.
MLB Needs To Take Action
Geraldo Perdomo, Marte’s teammate and close friend, did not hold back in his reaction after the game.
“That can’t happen,” Perdomo said. “Everybody knows how Ketel is. He’s fun. He plays the game hard. I feel bad for him. I feel mad about it. I hope MLB can do something with that guy. I don’t know who it was, but they’ve got to do something. We can’t continue to do that (expletive) here in MLB.”
There’s a difference between heckling and personal attacks. This wasn’t typical trash talk or playful banter. This crossed a clear, serious line. It was targeted. It was cruel. And it was unnecessary.
Ballparks are places of emotion, energy, and passion. But fans have a responsibility to show basic decency — not just to the players on the field, but to the people they are. Marte is one of the game’s most joyful and respected players. He plays with heart. He plays with love. And he carries the memory of his mother every day.
The Diamondbacks, to their credit, didn’t ignore what happened. Lovullo’s immediate response — one of support, protection, and care — reflected the culture the team has built. It was clear this moment mattered deeply to the entire clubhouse.
It was a reminder that these players are more than athletes. They’re sons, fathers, husbands — real people with real lives and losses.
Major League Baseball has not yet commented on the incident. But around the league, players and fans alike are already expressing support for Marte, who continues to be a respected voice and presence in the game.
He didn’t need to say anything after the game. His emotion said enough.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Diamondbacks Manager Erupts After Fan’s Disgraceful Taunt About Ketel Marte’s Late Mother appeared first on Heavy Sports.