New Jersey Little League Player Suspended for Bat Flip Regains Eligibility

A Little League player from New Jersey, who was suspended during a state tournament match due to a bat flip, saw his penalty lifted on Thursday.

Marco Rocco, a 12-year-old from the Haddonfield Little League, hit a two-run homer during a game against the Harrison Township Little League. After making the hit, he flipped his bat in excitement.

This home run contributed to an 8-0 lead within six innings, leading to Haddonfield clinching the Section 4 title and advancing to the state championship round.

However, after he crossed home plate, Marco was ejected for “safety concerns,” according to his father, Joe Rocco. He expressed, in a statement to local media, that the Little League “openly promoted bat flips” during their broadcasts and social media.

In a bid to allow Marco to play, his family filed a temporary restraining order on Tuesday with the Gloucester County court. Both sides presented their case, and the judge ultimately ruled in favor of Marco.

Judge Robert Maltein stated that if rules are enforced, they shouldn’t be applied arbitrarily. He allowed Marco to participate in the game that evening.

Previously, Haddonfield and Harrison Township faced off twice, each winning one of the games, setting the stage for their third match on July 16.

Haddonfield began the state tournament against Elmora on Thursday, with Marco hoping to make an impact. The state championship has a double-elimination format involving four teams.

The game between Haddonfield and Elmora was set to start at 8:30 PM ET.

The winning team will advance to Bristol, Connecticut, for a chance to compete in the Little League World Series.