A 12-year-old Little League player from New Jersey has been cleared to play in the state finals after a judge ruled that his suspension was unfair. Marco Rocco, who was ejected from a game on July 16 for tossing his bat into the air after hitting a home run, had been suspended for one game by Little League International.
The family of Marco Rocco took legal action against Little League International, arguing that the suspension would prevent their son from participating in the championship round. A judge, Robert G. Malestein, ruled in favor of the Rocco family, citing that Marco’s actions were not “unsportsmanlike conduct” but rather a celebratory gesture.
Little League International had previously promoted bat flips in videos and considered them acceptable behavior, according to their Safety Code for Little League. The organization stated that they would respect the court’s decision and allow Marco to participate in the tournament.
Marco Rocco’s family had tried to resolve the issue with Little League International, but were unable to reach a compromise. “He’s played Little League his whole life, and his dream is to make it to the World Series in Williamsport,” said Joe Rocco, Marco’s father. The case highlights the complexities of applying rules and regulations in youth sports.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6513120/2025/07/24/little-league-player-suspension-bat-flip