Additional Coverage:
- New Jersey Little Leaguer cleared to play after being suspended for ‘unsportsmanlike’ bat flip (cnn.com)
Haddonfield Little Leaguer Gets to Play After Bat-Flip Controversy
A 12-year-old Haddonfield baseball player will be allowed to play in his team’s state tournament game Thursday evening following a controversial bat-flip incident. Marco Rocco was initially suspended for one game after flipping his bat following a game-winning, two-run homer in the sectional tournament final on July 16. The umpire deemed the celebration “unsportsmanlike” and “horseplay,” resulting in Rocco’s ejection and the suspension.
The Rocco family sought an emergency temporary restraining order to allow Marco to play in the crucial game, and just hours before the scheduled start time, Judge Robert Malestein ruled in their favor. “I am going to grant temporarily the injunctive relief,” Malestein said. “I am going to allow him to play in tonight’s game.”
Marco’s father, Joe Rocco, stated simply, “Justice prevailed.”
The family’s argument hinged on the seeming inconsistency of Little League Baseball’s enforcement of such rules, citing videos posted on social media by the organization showcasing similar bat-flip celebrations without penalty. Furthermore, according to the court complaint, Marco had previously celebrated home runs with bat flips in earlier tournament games without repercussions.
The stakes are high, as the winner of the state tournament advances to the regional level and potentially the Little League World Series.