Major League Baseball has reportedly banned a fan indefinitely from all its stadiums following a disturbing incident during a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Chicago White Sox. The fan allegedly directed a cruel remark about Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte’s late mother, causing Marte to become visibly upset and tearful on the field.
The incident occurred during Tuesday night’s game at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago. Sources with direct knowledge of the decision confirmed the lifetime ban, though it had not been formally announced by the league.
Details of the Incident
During a seventh-inning at-bat for Marte, the 22-year-old fan reportedly made a highly offensive comment referencing Marte’s mother, Elpidia Valdez, who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2017.
Ketel Marte was clearly affected by the remark, seen crying on the field. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banister immediately requested the fan’s removal. Lovullo later described his interaction with the fan as encountering someone “pompous” and unresponsive, labeling the fan’s comment as “gross.” The manager emphasized that “Baseball deserves better” fans.
Lovullo went out to console Marte during a pitching change, reacting “as a dad would” by telling his player he loved him and that the heckler was “an idiot.”
Fan’s Response and League Action
According to a White Sox spokesperson, ballpark security staff indicated the banned fan was “very apologetic and remorseful after the fact,” admitting his comments were “very inappropriate and stupid.”
Despite the reported remorse, MLB acted swiftly with the indefinite ban, underscoring the league’s stance against personal and deeply hurtful attacks from the stands.
Team Reaction
While Ketel Marte, who hit a solo home run earlier in the game, declined to comment on the incident through a team official, his teammate, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, voiced his support for the league’s decision. Perdomo stated the fan “should be banned, for sure,” adding that such behavior “can’t happen” in Major League Baseball.
The incident highlights the ongoing discussion about fan conduct and the line between spirited support and inappropriate, personal attacks on players.
