Azona Diamondbacks star second baseman Ketel Marte was visibly emotional on the field during a pitching change in the seventh inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox, after a fan directed cruel comments about his late mother. The incident took place at Rate Field, during the team’s 4-1 victory. Marte, 31, was left in tears by the fan’s remarks targeting his late mother, Elpidia Valdez, who passed away in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017.
Manager Torey Lovullo, who has been with the team for several years, rushed to console the tearful Marte on the mound, putting his arm around him during the pitching change. Lovullo expressed his devastation over the incident and called the fan an ‘idiot’ in an emotional post-game interview. He emphasized the need for the team to stand up for its players against such harassment. The Diamondbacks’ spokesperson confirmed that Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banis requested the fan be removed from the game, as the incident had a significant emotional impact on Marte.
As a result, the team is taking the matter seriously and considering measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Lovullo’s statements reflect a broader concern about fan behavior in sports and the emotional toll it can take on athletes. The incident sparked heated discussions among fans and team members, with some calling for stricter enforcement of rules against such conduct, while others focused on the emotional well-being of the players.
Marte, who has been an integral part of the team’s success this season, continued to perform well, going 2-4 with a first-inning home run. The Diamondbacks, now 41-3, are preparing for the final game of their series against the White Sox, aiming to secure a sweep. The incident, while emotionally challenging, has also highlighted the importance of supporting athletes and addressing the broader issue of fan conduct in professional sports.
Team members like shortstop Geraldo Perdomo voiced their outrage at the fan’s actions, stating that such behavior is unacceptable and must be addressed. The team’s focus remains on the season, with the incident serving as a reminder of the challenges athletes face beyond the field.