The MLB world was shaken with unsettling news as Ketel Marte, standout second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks, became the latest athlete to experience the sting of a high-profile burglary. While Marte was showcasing his skills at the All-Star Game this week, burglars were making off with personal items and jewelry from his Scottsdale home.
Scottsdale police confirmed they are on the case, investigating this “high-dollar residential burglary” believed to have occurred on Tuesday night. Thankfully, no one was home at the time of the break-in, but the breach was clearly forceful, as signs of entry were apparent, according to a police spokesperson.
Marte’s residence, a luxurious property just outside Phoenix, boasts five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and snug parking for two with its garage. Online records indicate that this upscale abode, valued at $3.6 million, came under Marte’s ownership in April.
It’s a disturbing trend in the sports world, as Marte joins a growing list of athletes targeted by burglars. NFL names like Joe Burrow, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes have all had unfortunate brushes with similar crimes lately. This spate of burglaries has even prompted the FBI to circulate a memo to various sports leagues, warning about organized gangs honing in on athletes’ homes, exploiting the predictability of their schedules.
There are even international connections to these criminal activities, as evidenced by the arrest of a group from Chile in relation to the burglary at Burrow’s Ohio home. The trio is grappling with federal charges tied to transporting stolen goods and fabricating records amid a federal probe. They are also suspected in break-ins targeting the residences of Mahomes and Kelce.
The pattern extends across sports and states. Seattle Mariners’ stars Julio Rodriguez, Luis Castillo, and legendary Edgar Martinez have reportedly been targets. Over on the West Coast, the homes of Dodgers’ pitcher Black Snell and Seahawks icon Richard Sherman haven’t been spared either.
Ketel Marte, originally from the Dominican Republic and a significant presence in MLB for eight seasons, has earned upwards of $62 million in his career. His athletic prowess was on full display at the All-Star Game, where he smacked a two-run double. As the investigation continues, the sports community stands in solidarity, hoping for a swift resolution and heightened security for its stars.
