Fact Check: White Sox ban fan indefinitely for taunting Ketel Marte about his deceased mother
What We Know
On June 25, 2025, a 22-year-old fan was banned indefinitely from all Major League Baseball (MLB) ballparks after he yelled a derogatory comment about Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte's late mother during a game against the Chicago White Sox. Marte's mother, Elpidia Valdez, tragically passed away in a car accident in the Dominican Republic in 2017. The incident occurred in the seventh inning of the game, bringing Marte to tears, as reported by multiple sources including ESPN and CBS News.
Following the incident, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo and bench coach Jeff Banister requested the fan's ejection, which was promptly executed by stadium security. MLB also confirmed that the ban would extend to all MLB stadiums, emphasizing that "there is no place in the game or the ballparks for offensive language" (MLB).
Analysis
The claim that the White Sox banned a fan for taunting Ketel Marte about his deceased mother is substantiated by credible sources. The incident was widely reported, and the details were consistent across multiple outlets, including NBC News and Sports Illustrated.
The reliability of these sources is high; ESPN, CBS News, and MLB are well-established organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The reports included direct quotes from relevant parties, such as Lovullo and White Sox manager Will Venable, who condemned the fan's behavior and expressed support for Marte. This adds credibility to the narrative that the fan's actions were not only inappropriate but also met with immediate and serious repercussions from the team and league.
Moreover, the emotional impact on Marte, as described in the reports, highlights the severity of the situation. The acknowledgment of the incident by MLB and the swift action taken against the fan indicate a strong stance against such behavior in sports, reinforcing the validity of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the White Sox banned a fan indefinitely for taunting Ketel Marte about his deceased mother is true. The incident was confirmed by multiple reputable sources, and the actions taken by both the White Sox and MLB demonstrate a commitment to maintaining respect and decency in the sport.
Sources
- Fan who taunted Ketel Marte banned from all ballparks
- Chicago White Sox ban fan who brought Ketel Marte to tears with taunt
- White Sox, MLB ban fan from Marte incident indefinitely
- Man who taunted Ketel Marte about late mother banned by MLB, White Sox
- White Sox Ban Fan Who Taunted Ketel Marte Over Deceased Mother
