An Arizona Diamondbacks supporter who directed offensive remarks toward second baseman Ketel Marte at a game against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night has been prohibited from entering all Major League Baseball venues indefinitely. Details of this decision were shared by an individual with immediate knowledge of the situation. Marte was deeply moved to tears during the seventh inning of Arizona’s 4-1 victory over Chicago when a derogatory comment was made referencing his deceased mother.
According to a representative from the White Sox, the stadium’s security team reported that the 22-year-old spectator expressed significant regret and acknowledged the inappropriateness of his actions. Another source corroborated that Major League Baseball has decided to ban the individual from attending games nationwide. This insider shared information anonymously due to the fact that MLB has not officially announced the consequences.
Diamondbacks’ manager Torey Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banister took action, requesting the expulsion of the disruptive fan. Prior to Wednesday’s series finale, Lovullo spoke about a brief encounter he had with the fan, who was being disruptive and shouted at Marte.
“The individual was oblivious to the situation and was arrogantly dismissive, which was unacceptable to me,” Lovullo expressed. “It was an indecent remark that no one should utter, especially about someone who has experienced such personal loss.” He continued, emphasizing the need for a higher caliber of behavior from supporters, “Baseball deserves fans who bring positivity to the sport.”
Marte’s mother, Elpidia Valdez, tragically passed away in a traffic incident in the Dominican Republic in 2017. During Tuesday night’s game, Marte hit a run in the first inning, but later in the seventh, as a pitching change was underway, he visibly broke down. Lovullo approached him, offering comfort and support.
“I reacted instinctively like any parent in that moment when I was out on the field to change pitchers,” Lovullo revealed, according to the Arizona Republic. “I witnessed his distress, and it was painful to watch.”
Lovullo assured Marte, saying, “‘I care about you and stand by you; we all do. You’re not alone in this. Ignore whatever that guy said—his words are meaningless and shouldn’t affect you.’”
Marte opted not to discuss the episode, as confirmed by a team representative. Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo voiced a strong response, suggesting that the fan’s exclusion was justified and urged Major League Baseball to take action.
“That sort of behavior cannot be tolerated,” Perdomo reflected. “It’s imperative it stops in MLB.”