Disgustingly cruel taunt brings Ketel Marte to tears as White Sox Fan gets banned

The moment happened later in the game during the Diamondbacks’ 4–1 win at Rate Field. Ketel Marte, who is typically composed and headstrong, visibly broke down after a fan near the home dugout shouted a vile comment about his mother, who passed away in a tragic car accident in 2017. The exact words were not caught on broadcast microphones, those close to the field reported the heckle as both cruel and deeply personal.

D-Backs Manager Torey Lovullo spoke on the incident with Ketel Marte:

Ketel Marte stepped out of the batter’s box, clearly shaken up. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo immediately exited the dugout, walked over to Marte, and consoled him, wrapping an arm around the veteran infielder.  “We’re prepared for that. But when you cross a line, and it’s a very firm, bold line.. we become human beings. I hate it. I hated what happened today, but I’m going to protect these guys and back them up like I’m their father.” (Credit: Todd Walsh | D-Backs TV. Credit: Casey Drotter | MLB)

Security quickly identified the fan that was responsible for the heinous remarks, and escorted him out of the stadium. A spokesperson for the White Sox later confirmed the individual has been banned indefinitely from all team events. (Credit: Casey Drotter | MLB)

Despite the emotional toll, Marte had earlier hit a home run in the first inning. The victory now feels secondary to the powerful reminder that athletes carry grief and are just as human as anybody else.