New Jersey Little Leaguer suspended for bat flip, a celebration governing body promotes
Marco Rocco of Haddonfield, New Jersey tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament, his father, Joe Rocco told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
At first, he was called out, but on appeal the runs counted, Marco was ejected and suspended for a game over what the family was told were actions deemed 'unsportsmanlike' and 'horseplay.'
Now, his family has gone to court to seek an emergency temporary restraining order that will allow him to play in the New Jersey state tournament that starts on Thursday.
'All we're asking for is that the suspension be lifted so he can play in the game,' Joe Rocco said.
The sides are scheduled to make their arguments before a judge in Gloucester County Chancery Division on Thursday afternoon, just hours before the game. The winner of the state tournament advances to the regionals, where they have a chance to move on to the Little League World Series.
What makes the ejection and suspension so confounding is that Little League Baseball posts videos of bat-flip celebrations on social media that do not result in punishment.
In fact, Marco has tossed his bat in celebration in prior tournament games without warnings or punishment, according to the court complaint.
Joe Rocco called that hypocritical.
'They promote bat flips. The kids see major leaguers doing it. It's part of the game. He was just emulating what he saw,' he said.
The incident left his son 'distraught.'
'He was so confused,' the father said. 'He didn't understand what was going on. On the car ride home he was saying 'How can that be against the rules? If I knew I was breaking the rules I never would have done it.''
A message seeking comment was left with Little League's East Region headquarters after business hours on Wednesday night.
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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
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Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
New Jersey Little Leaguer plays after judge lifts his suspension for 'unsportsmanlike' bat flip
Published Jul 25, 2025 • 4 minute read In this undated photo provided by Joseph Rocco, his son Marco Rocco prepares to deliver a pitch in a baseball game in Haddonfield, N.J. AP DEPTFORD, N.J. — Marco Rocco fidgeted with his helmet and dug in at the plate to chants of 'Marco! Marco!' from his Little League teammates as he settled in for a night of baseball, after his family got mixed up in a court case where a judge — not an umpire or coach — made the call that allowed him to take the field. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The 12-year-old played Thursday night for his New Jersey team hours after he faced a suspension from his first state tournament game after he was ejected for flipping his bat as he celebrated a home run. Marco, who's from Haddonfield, New Jersey, tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament. Marco was ejected and suspended for a game over what his family was told were actions deemed 'unsportsmanlike' and 'horseplay.' The family sought an emergency temporary restraining order that would allow him to play in the New Jersey state tournament that started Thursday. He got one. Judge Robert Malestein ruled hours before the game that Marco could play. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Joe Rocco, Marco's father, said the experience was 'stressful' but added he was 'just happy my son got to play baseball.' Marco played for Haddonfield against Elmora Little League in the first game of a four-team, double-elimination tournament at the Deptford Township Little League complex. Elmora won 10-0 in a game that was shortened to four innings by the mercy rule. Marco went 0 for 2 with two strikeouts. Marco was on the bench when the game started — his father said it was to ease Marco into the game — but was inserted at third base after Haddonfield's starting pitcher allowed six runs in two-thirds of an inning and was pulled. Little League stood behind its umpires but said it would respect the judge's decision. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'While we continue to follow any orders governed by the court of law, Little League is extremely disappointed that time, energy, and attention were diverted away from our volunteers and communities who are creating positive experiences for all players and families throughout the International Tournament,' Little League International wrote in a statement. 'Trusted by parents and communities around the world, Little League holds the integrity of the game, respect for game officials, and sportsmanship of teams as core tenants of our program. We expect all players, coaches, volunteers, and staff to uphold these values at all times.' The sides made their arguments before a judge in Gloucester County Chancery Division on Thursday afternoon, just hours before the game. The winner of the state tournament advances to the regionals, where it has a chance to move on to the Little League World Series. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Little League maintains that tournament rules serve as the guide for any determination regarding conduct, of which falls distinctly under the discretion of the umpire,' the baseball organization said. 'As all youth sports officiating continues to face challenges and abuse by parents and fans, and as we face a nationwide shortage of umpires and volunteers, it is more important than ever that we are supportive of Little League umpires, including the judgements and decisions they make at the local league level.' Deptford Little League president Don Bozzuffi made national headlines in 2023 when he threatened to turn unruly spectators into umpires. What makes the ejection and suspension noteworthy is that Little League Baseball posts videos of bat-flip celebrations on social media that do not result in punishment. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In fact, Marco has tossed his bat in celebration in prior tournament games without warnings or punishment, according to the court complaint. 'We tried to settle with them. They refused to do it,' Rocco said. 'So I had no other option.' Brian Berkley, the Rocco family attorney, noted Little League has promoted bat-flipping highlights on its website and other social media platforms. 'Let's be clear, there is no express rule in the Little League rule book against flipping a bat in celebration,' Berkley argued. 'When it suits Little League's interest, it not only condones bat flipping, but it actually promotes bat flipping.' Malestein agreed there was a double standard when it came to punishing or promoting bat flipping. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'By punishing this youngster on this occasion and not him on the two prior occasions, or by punishing this youngster and not others, who are on the website and on the social media website, of the X website of Little League baseball, it appears they engaging in an application of their rules which would appear to be arbitrary and capricious,' Malestein said. 'Which is, would be, an abuse of discretion.' Ken Goldin, the owner of Goldin Auctions and star of the reality show 'King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch,' has a son on the Haddonfield team. He said the team was 'surprised' the flip merited an ejection. 'I've seen a lot of Marco bat flips,' Goldin said. 'It was a little high but it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. It went straight up and it landed straight down, right where he was. I didn't think it was ridiculous. It certainly was a high flip. It's the championship game, the last inning, it put the game away.' But could this outcome lead to more parents taking blown calls and unhappy outcomes to court? 'I would think so,' Rocco said. 'When I talked about bring a suit against Little League, everyone said, 'You can't do that, you'll never win. Umpires can do whatever they want.' The court decided different today.' Toronto & GTA Columnists Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA News
Edmonton Journal
2 hours ago
- Edmonton Journal
New Jersey Little Leaguer plays after judge lifts his suspension for 'unsportsmanlike' bat flip
Article content DEPTFORD, N.J. — Marco Rocco fidgeted with his helmet and dug in at the plate to chants of 'Marco! Marco!' from his Little League teammates as he settled in for a night of baseball, after his family got mixed up in a court case where a judge — not an umpire or coach — made the call that allowed him to take the field. Article content The 12-year-old played Thursday night for his New Jersey team hours after he faced a suspension from his first state tournament game after he was ejected for flipping his bat as he celebrated a home run. Article content Article content Marco, who's from Haddonfield, New Jersey, tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament. Marco was ejected and suspended for a game over what his family was told were actions deemed 'unsportsmanlike' and 'horseplay.' Article content Article content He got one. Article content Judge Robert Malestein ruled hours before the game that Marco could play. Article content Joe Rocco, Marco's father, said the experience was 'stressful' but added he was 'just happy my son got to play baseball.' Article content Marco played for Haddonfield against Elmora Little League in the first game of a four-team, double-elimination tournament at the Deptford Township Little League complex. Elmora won 10-0 in a game that was shortened to four innings by the mercy rule. Marco went 0 for 2 with two strikeouts. Article content Article content Marco was on the bench when the game started — his father said it was to ease Marco into the game — but was inserted at third base after Haddonfield's starting pitcher allowed six runs in two-thirds of an inning and was pulled. Article content Little League stood behind its umpires but said it would respect the judge's decision. Article content 'While we continue to follow any orders governed by the court of law, Little League is extremely disappointed that time, energy, and attention were diverted away from our volunteers and communities who are creating positive experiences for all players and families throughout the International Tournament,' Little League International wrote in a statement. 'Trusted by parents and communities around the world, Little League holds the integrity of the game, respect for game officials, and sportsmanship of teams as core tenants of our program. We expect all players, coaches, volunteers, and staff to uphold these values at all times.'
National Post
2 hours ago
- National Post
New Jersey Little Leaguer plays after judge lifts his suspension for 'unsportsmanlike' bat flip
DEPTFORD, N.J. — Marco Rocco fidgeted with his helmet and dug in at the plate to chants of 'Marco! Marco!' from his Little League teammates as he settled in for a night of baseball, after his family got mixed up in a court case where a judge — not an umpire or coach — made the call that allowed him to take the field. Article content The 12-year-old played Thursday night for his New Jersey team hours after he faced a suspension from his first state tournament game after he was ejected for flipping his bat as he celebrated a home run. Article content Article content Marco, who's from Haddonfield, New Jersey, tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament. Marco was ejected and suspended for a game over what his family was told were actions deemed 'unsportsmanlike' and 'horseplay.' Article content The family sought an emergency temporary restraining order that would allow him to play in the New Jersey state tournament that started Thursday. Article content He got one. Article content Judge Robert Malestein ruled hours before the game that Marco could play. Article content Joe Rocco, Marco's father, said the experience was 'stressful' but added he was 'just happy my son got to play baseball.' Article content Marco played for Haddonfield against Elmora Little League in the first game of a four-team, double-elimination tournament at the Deptford Township Little League complex. Elmora won 10-0 in a game that was shortened to four innings by the mercy rule. Marco went 0 for 2 with two strikeouts. Article content Marco was on the bench when the game started — his father said it was to ease Marco into the game — but was inserted at third base after Haddonfield's starting pitcher allowed six runs in two-thirds of an inning and was pulled. Article content Little League stood behind its umpires but said it would respect the judge's decision. Article content 'While we continue to follow any orders governed by the court of law, Little League is extremely disappointed that time, energy, and attention were diverted away from our volunteers and communities who are creating positive experiences for all players and families throughout the International Tournament,' Little League International wrote in a statement. 'Trusted by parents and communities around the world, Little League holds the integrity of the game, respect for game officials, and sportsmanship of teams as core tenants of our program. We expect all players, coaches, volunteers, and staff to uphold these values at all times.' Article content The sides made their arguments before a judge in Gloucester County Chancery Division on Thursday afternoon, just hours before the game. The winner of the state tournament advances to the regionals, where it has a chance to move on to the Little League World Series.
