MLB Bans Fan Indefinitely Across Stadiums After Heckling Ketel Marte

A 22-year-old fan at a Chicago White Sox game was banned indefinitely from all 30 MLB stadiums after heckling Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte with a derogatory comment about his late mother, who died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017. Marte was visibly upset and seen in tears on the field during a seventh-inning pitching change after the taunt, with his manager Torey Lovullo consoling him and condemning the fan's behavior as inappropriate and insensitive. The White Sox security staff described the fan as remorseful and apologetic after the incident, but the league and team took swift action to enforce the ban to send a clear message against personal abuse from fans. MLB emphasized that while competitive energy is welcome, attacking players' families is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Marte, who hit a solo home run in the game, was supported by his teammates and staff who reassured him he was not alone despite the emotional impact of the comment. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about fan misconduct in professional sports and MLB's efforts to maintain respectful conduct at games.