Starling Marte dedicates first home run with D-backs to late wife

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte crushed his first home run of the 2020 season and dedicated it to his late wife, Noelia.

On his Instagram, Marte posted a photo of the home run ball with the caption, “For you my queen,” in Spanish.

He wrote “For my love in heaven, Noelia,” in Spanish on the ball along with Saturday’s date.

His home run came off a fastball in the top of the sixth inning to give the Diamondbacks a 2-1 lead over the San Diego Padres.

Marte’s wife unexpectedly passed in May when she died of a heart attack.

Marte said she had broken her ankle and suffered a heart attack while awaiting surgery.

He revealed during summer camp that he contemplated retiring after she passed, but the more conversations he had with pastors and friends, the more he felt supported to return to the game.

This season, Marte is holds a .362 batting average in 14 games for Arizona. He’s tallied 17 hits and 3 RBI for the offense.

During the 2019 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Marte totaled 23 home runs for the season.

Follow @Kaci_Demarest