Ketel Marte was visibly upset during the Arizona Diamondbacks’ June 24, 2025, game against the Chicago White Sox after a fan at Rate Field made a hurtful remark about his late mother, Elpidia Valdez, who passed away in a car accident in 2017. In the seventh inning, Marte was at bat when the incident happened. Marte was seen wiping away his tears as he made his way back to the dugout, obviously shaken by the comment.
Marte was immediately comforted by Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banister, who requested that the fan be taken down. After hearing the remark, Lovullo consoled Marte on the field by saying, “I love you, I’m with you, we’re all together, and you’re not alone.” That man is a moron regardless of what transpires, what was said, or what you heard. You shouldn’t be affected by it.
After being ejected from the stadium, the fan was given an indefinite ban from MLB games. After the game, Marte did not speak to the media, but his coaches and teammates voiced their strong support and denounced the fan’s actions. Despite the emotional moment, Marte’s home run earlier in the game helped the Diamondbacks win 4-1.
What Really Happened: Ketel Marte Breaks Down After Fan’s Cruel Remark About His Late Mother
Ketel Marte was visibly upset during the Arizona Diamondbacks’ June 24, 2025, game against the Chicago White Sox after a fan at Rate Field made a hurtful remark about his late mother, Elpidia Valdez, who passed away in a car accident in 2017. In the seventh inning, Marte was at bat when the incident happened. Marte was seen wiping away his tears as he made his way back to the dugout, obviously shaken by the comment.
Marte was immediately comforted by Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banister, who requested that the fan be taken down. After hearing the remark, Lovullo consoled Marte on the field by saying, “I love you, I’m with you, we’re all together, and you’re not alone.” That man is a moron regardless of what transpires, what was said, or what you heard. You shouldn’t be affected by it.
After being ejected from the stadium, the fan was given an indefinite ban from MLB games. After the game, Marte did not speak to the media, but his coaches and teammates voiced their strong support and denounced the fan’s actions. Despite the emotional moment, Marte’s home run earlier in the game helped the Diamondbacks win 4-1.