Arizona Diamondbacks standout Ketel Marte has opened up about an emotional incident that left him in tears during a recent game against the Chicago White Sox. In an interview conducted via Instagram Live with journalist Yancen Pujols, Marte recounted a hurtful taunt from a fan who yelled, “I sent your mom a text last night,” drawing distressing connections to the loss of his mother, Elpidia Valdez, who tragically died in a car accident in 2017.
Marte revealed that the heckle was particularly painful not only because it referenced his late mother but also because it occurred in Chicago, the city where he received the news of her death. During his at-bat in the seventh inning, he felt overwhelmed by the inappropriate remark. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from his manager, Torey Lovullo, who intervened and ensured the fan was removed from the game. The fan has since been banned indefinitely from all Major League Baseball parks, reflecting the severity of his actions.
After the incident, Marte experienced a wave of support from fans and the league alike. Upon returning home for his next game, he received a standing ovation from the crowd at Chase Field, a testament to the respect and admiration fans have for him. The White Sox organization also showed solidarity, displaying a supportive message on their scoreboard the following day.
Although the fan later expressed deep remorse and called his actions “very inappropriate and stupid,” Marte took a compassionate route, offering prayers for the individual and his family. He emphasized the importance of maintaining respect in sports and highlighted that, while heckling is commonplace, crossing personal boundaries is unacceptable.
As he navigates through this emotional period, Marte continues to excel on the field, having an outstanding season and being a strong contender for the NL MVP award. He remains dedicated to his teammates and the game, demonstrating resilience despite the challenges he faces off the field.