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A New Jersey Little League team’s aspirations of reaching the prestigious Williamsport tournament have taken an unexpected turn. Marco Rocco, a talented 12-year-old player from Haddonfield, faces suspension for a state tournament game, all due to a dramatic bat flip after hitting a home run.
During a game last Wednesday against Harrison Township Little League, Rocco smashed a two-run homer that propelled Haddonfield to an 8-0 lead in the sixth inning. This victory secured the Section 4 title and advanced Haddonfield to the state championship.
Yet, the moment of triumph quickly turned to controversy. As Rocco crossed home plate, he was ejected from the game. This decision, driven by what officials deemed a safety concern, has sparked outrage among parents and supporters. Rocco’s father, Joe, shared insights about the situation with NJ.com.
“They wrote us a letter stating there’s a rule against horseplay in Little League, and they categorize bat flipping as horseplay,” Joe Rocco explained. “Little League International promotes bat flipping on their social media, websites, and broadcasts during the Little League World Series. They actively encourage it.
“My son observed and emulated the behavior he sees.”
In an attempt to reverse the suspension, Joe Rocco filed a temporary restraining order on Tuesday in the Gloucester County Chancery Division. However, according to him, Little League International is
