US EditionNew Jersey Little Leaguer Cleared to Play After Being Suspended for ‘Unsportsmanlike’ Bat Flip
DEPTFORD, NEW JERSEY, JUL 24 – Judge ruled suspension of 12-year-old Marco Rocco was arbitrary, allowing him to play in the New Jersey State Tournament where his team competes for the championship.
- Twelve-Year-Old Marco Rocco, a Little League player from Haddonfield, was permitted to participate Thursday evening after a judge lifted his one-game suspension that followed his bat flip celebration after a home run on July 16, allowing him to compete in the state competition.
- The suspension stemmed from an ejection due to 'unsportsmanlike' and 'horseplay' behavior after Marco tossed his bat in celebration, though the family and attorney argued no explicit rule bans bat flipping and Little League itself promotes it selectively.
- Judge Robert Malestein found the inconsistent punishment arbitrary and granted an emergency injunction after a Zoom hearing, deciding the harm to Marco outweighed opening private sports groups to litigation and allowing him to play in the double-elimination tournament at Deptford.
- Marco’s home run put Haddonfield ahead 8-0 in the sectional final, and his family felt a sense of relief. His father, Joe Rocco, remarked that fairness had been served and highlighted Marco’s aspiration to compete in the youth baseball championship held in Williamsport.
- The state tournament winner will advance to the regional round in Bristol, Connecticut, while Little League International expressed disappointment over attention diverted from volunteers, but said it will respect the judge’s ruling despite disagreement.
101 Articles
101 Articles
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.
Judge makes ruling on Little League player suspended for ‘unsportsmanlike’ bat flip
New Jersey Little Leaguer Marco Rocco was allowed to play in the New Jersey state tournament Thursday night after a judge overturned his suspension for an “unsportsmanlike” bat flip.
Little Leaguer plays after judge lifts suspension for 'unsportsmanlike' bat flip
The 12-year-old Little Leaguer played Thursday night for his New Jersey team hours after he faced a suspension from his team's first state tournament game after he was ejected for flipping his bat as he celebrated a home run.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
