Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte in Tears Over Fan’s Cruel Comments on Late Mother
Sarah Johnson
June 25, 2025
Brief
Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte breaks down in tears after a fan’s cruel remarks about his late mother during a game against the White Sox.
In a heartbreaking moment during the Arizona Diamondbacks' 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, star second baseman Ketel Marte was reduced to tears on the field. The incident unfolded in the seventh inning at Rate Field, when a fan hurled cruel and derogatory remarks about Marte’s late mother, Elpidia Valdez, who tragically passed away in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017.
Marte, visibly shaken, was comforted by manager Torey Lovullo, who wrapped an arm around him during a pitching change. Lovullo later shared his outrage with reporters, describing the fan’s behavior as 'nasty' and 'going too far.' Acting like a protective father, Lovullo didn’t hesitate to confront the situation, ensuring the heckler was asked to be removed from the game. 'I could see he was sobbing. It hurt,' Lovullo admitted, emphasizing that Marte is not alone and calling the fan’s actions utterly foolish.
The emotional toll was evident, but Lovullo’s support underscored the deep bond within the team. 'I’ve known Ketel for nine years,' Lovullo said. 'We’re human beings with emotions, and I wanted to protect him during such a painful moment.' Teammate Geraldo Perdomo echoed the sentiment, insisting the fan should be banned, stating, 'That can’t happen in MLB. We can’t continue to let this slide.'
Despite the distressing incident, Marte’s performance on the field remained stellar. The two-time All-Star went 2-4, including a first-inning solo home run that set the tone for the Diamondbacks’ win. With a .316 batting average, 14 home runs, and 31 RBI in 52 games this season, Marte continues to shine as a cornerstone of the team.
As the Diamondbacks (41-38) gear up for the final game of their three-game series against the White Sox (25-55) on Wednesday at 2:10 p.m. ET, they aim for a series sweep. But beyond the scoreboard, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the human side of sports—athletes aren’t just players; they carry personal stories and pain that deserve respect.
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Editor's Comments
This incident at Rate Field is a gut punch. Fans crossing the line with personal attacks on Ketel Marte’s late mother? That’s not passion for the game; it’s just plain ugly. Maybe this heckler thought he was playing ‘tough crowd,’ but the only thing getting ejected here should be his common decency. Here’s a pitch: let’s ban such behavior faster than a 100-mph fastball. After all, if you’re gonna throw shade, at least aim for the strike zone, not a player’s heart.
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