THE MLB has given out a huge punishment to a fan who brought Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte to tears over a tasteless remark about his late mom.
The incident occurred during the D-Backs’ 4-1 win over the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Tuesday night.
Arizona Diamondbacks star second baseman Ketel Marte was seen crying on the field after hearing inappropriate remarks from a fan during Tuesday’s win over the Chicago White Sox[/caption]
Marte spotted being consoled by manager Terry Lovullo and teammates[/caption]
Marte’s mom Elipidia Valdez died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017.
During the seventh inning of the game, the second baseman Marte was spotted crying after the fan’s comments, which happened while he was at bat in the seventh inning.
The Diamondbacks personnel, including manager Torey Lovullo, heard the comment and called for the fan to be ejected.
They contacted security, and the fan was ejected from the stadium.
ESPN reported Wednesday morning that the MLB has banned a 22-year-old fan from all MLB stadiums after yelling the disgusting comment.
The MLB also released a statement, saying, “We commend the White Sox for taking immediate action in removing the fan.”
ESPN reported that sources familiar with the incident said that the fan was “remorseful for his actions, admitting to his inappropriate comments.”
The two-time All-Star Marte declined to speak to reporters after the game on Tuesday.
Luvollo and bench coach Jeff Banister said they heard the comment but didn’t repeat what he said.
“I looked right at [Marte] when I heard. I looked right at him and he looked at the person, as well,” Luvollo said.
“He put his head down and I could tell it had an immediate impact on him, for sure.
“I just reacted as a dad would. I could see he was sobbing. It hurt.
“[I told him], ‘I love you and I’m with you and we’re all together and you’re not alone. No matter what happens, no matter what was said or what you heard, that guy is an idiot. It shouldn’t have an impact on you.’”
Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo said, “That can’t happen.
“Everybody knows how Ketel is. He’s fun. He plays the game hard. I feel bad for him. I feel mad about it.
“I hope MLB can do something with that guy.”
The White Sox avoided getting swept in the series finale on Wednesday with a 7-3 win.
Marte was hitless in four at-bats with two strikeouts.
