MLB Player Ketel Marte Breaks Down in Tears Mid-Game – Here's What Happened

Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte broke down in tears after a fan hurled cruel remarks about his late mother — an outburst that led to the fan's league-wide ban.

A fan has been banned indefinitely from all Major League Baseball stadiums after making a deeply offensive comment about Arizona Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte's late mother during Tuesday night's game against the Chicago White Sox.

The incident occurred on June 25, 2025, at Guaranteed Rate Field during the Diamondbacks' 4–1 victory over Chicago. Tensions rose in the seventh inning when Marte became emotional after a fan shouted a derogatory remark regarding his mother, Elpidia Valdez, who died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017.

The individual, a 22-year-old fan, was quickly identified and removed from the stadium. A White Sox spokesperson confirmed that the spectator later expressed regret for his actions. According to the team's security personnel, the fan was reportedly "very apologetic and remorseful after the fact, and admitted to being very inappropriate and stupid with his comments."

Despite the apology, Major League Baseball imposed a sweeping penalty by issuing an indefinite ban from all major league stadiums.

Arizona manager Torey Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banister were instrumental in alerting stadium officials during the game. Speaking ahead of Wednesday's series finale, Lovullo shared that he "had a little bit of an interaction with the fan" while the insults were being hurled at Marte.

"He wasn't getting it and was very pompous, and it didn't sit right with me," Lovullo said. "It was just a gross comment you wouldn’t say about anybody, let alone someone who lost their mom.We need better baseball fans. Baseball deserves better."

Marte, who hit a solo home run in the first inning, was visibly distressed during a pitching change in the bottom of the seventh. Lovullo approached the second baseman on the field, placing an arm around him as he sobbed.

The team has since confirmed that Marte declined to speak publicly about the incident. He previously spoke about the death of his mom on Instagram when the incident occurred in 2017.

The touching caption, when translated, read: "Why did you leave, sweet love? I love you, my love. Why did you leave me alone and not enjoy this beautiful year with me, mommy?"

"You told me you wanted 10 homers, and you already have them, so why are you leaving without seeing me, my love? Come back, mommy, please don't leave me alone because I love you, my love," Marte pleaded. He ended his message, saying: "Come back, my black queen, come back. The pain is killing me, mommy."

Back in the MLB, a separate incident on May 1, 2025, saw a fan fall 21 feet from the stands during a game, prompting emergency crews to respond immediately.

During a Major League Baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night, May 1, 2025, a fan fell 21 feet from the stands onto the right-field warning track in the bottom of the seventh inning. Play came to an abrupt halt as emergency crews rushed to the scene.

The fan was identified as 20-year-old Kavan Markwood, a former football student-athlete from McKeesport.

As reported by TribLive, witnesses said the fan had taken off his shirt and poured beer on himself while celebrating Andrew McCutchen's go-ahead double. Moments later, he lost his balance and fell over a 3-foot railing in Section 142.

Following the incident, the Pirates organization stated that the 36-inch railing in that section exceeds current building code requirements. The fall occurred just behind the 21-foot Clemente Wall, which honors Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente and his retired number.

Medical personnel, police, EMS, and team trainers rushed to Markwood's side. He was stabilized on a backboard and transported to Allegheny General Hospital.

Later, Pittsburgh Public Safety confirmed that the incident was being treated as accidental and that Markwood remained in critical condition.

As concern for his recovery grew, attention turned to his background both on and off the field.

Markwood is a 2022 graduate of South Allegheny High School, and he played linebacker at Wheeling University (WU). He played one season at Walsh University in 2022 before transferring, and later appeared in five games at Wheeling in 2023, recording four tackles and contributing on special teams.

He also earned recognition on the Mountain East Conference (MEC) Commissioner's Honor Roll. Former Wheeling coach Zac Bruney told TMZ Sports that Markwood left the program in 2024 for work, but the team had hoped he would return. "He was a very good young man," Bruney said.

Expressions of support quickly followed from Markwood's former school community. South Allegheny athletic director Mike Brown described him as "a standout athlete" and "a young man of character," who left a strong impression both on and off the field.

He said Markwood is widely respected for his resilience, character, and willingness to uplift others, often facing challenges with quiet determination and grace.

That sentiment echoed beyond the school. At East Allegheny, former coach Frank Cortazzo reflected on Markwood's time as a student-athlete. He called Markwood's strength "truly unmatched" and encouraged others to keep him and his loved ones in their thoughts.

The school district also rallied behind him. Spokeswoman Laura Thomson described Markwood as a "fighter," someone who would need that resilience now, and who has it. She said the South Allegheny community remains firmly by his side.

Beyond the school community, the emotional weight of the incident extended to the organization itself.

Pirates chairman Bob Nutting also addressed the incident in a statement posted to X. "We are all deeply saddened and truly heartbroken after the terrible accident that occurred last night. It was one of the most difficult moments many of us have ever experienced. We are devastated," his statement read.

He also emphasized the importance of unity, saying the team views its fans as part of a close-knit community. He encouraged everyone to support Markwood and his family during this difficult time and expressed appreciation for the first responders who provided immediate and compassionate care.

Months earlier, another athlete's on-field injury drew widespread attention during a high-stakes National Football League (NFL) playoff game.

The January 12 game between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles proved challenging for Green Bay. Romeo Doubs' head injury sparked concern among fans and teammates as videos of the incident were quickly shared on X, formerly Twitter.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the third quarter. In a video shared by NFL sports writer Dov Kleiman, the 24-year-old footballer fell backward after leaping for a catch in the end zone.

As shown in a video shared by Yahoo! Sports Senior NFL reporter Jori Epstein, medical staff rushed to assess Doubs as he lay on the field, surrounded by kneeling teammates in a show of concern. In another clip shared by Fox Sports: NFL, trainers helped him off the field and escorted him to the locker room.

According to ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter, Doubs was being evaluated for a concussion. The injury adds to a tough stretch for Green Bay, as they are now without three players: Doubs, Christian Watson, and Jayden Reed. Reed left the game with a shoulder injury late in the third quarter.

The Packers also faced more significant injuries during the game. Starting left guard Elgton Jenkins left with a stinger in the first quarter, followed by defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, who suffered a lower leg injury. Both players were ruled out shortly after halftime.

These injuries severely impacted Green Bay's performance, culminating in a 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, ending the NFL playoffs.

Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur sympathized with the players forced to step into difficult circumstances calling the situation "unfortunate." However, he emphasized that football demands a consistent performance standard, regardless of which players are on the field.

Doubs' latest injury is similar to one he suffered in November 2024 during a game against the San Francisco 49ers. He sustained a concussion on a third-quarter play that resulted in a pass interference penalty.

Doubs briefly stayed down before heading to the sideline. After being examined in the injury tent, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

This season has been tough for Doubs, both on and off the field. In October 2024, he missed practice and a game before the Packers' matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in his hometown.

He said he was dealing with "some things going on mentally." His unexcused absence led to a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team.

Speaking publicly after his return, Doubs addressed his teammates and was remorseful for his actions, "I absolutely wish I would have handled things differently."

He explained that his absence stemmed from personal matters off the field and clarified that it was unrelated to the Packers organization or his teammates. "I had to make sure that I got the family together again," he said. Reassuring reporters about his well-being, he added, "Yes, I'm doing fine."

When asked if he needed to regain his teammates' respect, Doubs declined to comment. While his unexcused departure initially caused some uncertainty, running back Josh Jacobs emphasized that the locker room remained focused on supporting him.

At the time, LaFleur praised Doubs' effort and commitment during practice and expressed optimism about his readiness to play against the Arizona Cardinals. "He's gone in and worked. Just done a great job," LaFleur said.

Doubs also clarified that he did not request a trade and emphasized his commitment to staying with the Packers, expressing happiness about returning to the locker room.

Despite these challenges, Doubs was grateful, calling those around him "great staff, great players, great support." Reflecting on his return, he said, "I did my best communicating, and I'm just thankful that I'm here right now, you know, able to still play ball."

Doubs navigated challenges as he worked to contribute to Green Bay's future efforts.