A 12-year-old Little League player from New Jersey, Marco Rocco, has been cleared to participate in his team's state final after a judge overturned a suspension stemming from a bat-flip celebration. The ruling by Judge Robert Malestein on Thursday, July 24, 2025, followed legal action initiated by Rocco's family against Little League Baseball, Inc. The decision allows Rocco to play in the crucial tournament game.
Rocco, a player for the Haddonfield Little League 12U All-Star district team, was ejected and suspended for one game after flipping his bat following a two-run home run on July 16. Umpires deemed the celebratory gesture as unsportsmanlike conduct and "horseplay," leading to the disciplinary action. The suspension would have prevented him from playing in the state championship.
Marco's father, Joe Rocco, a lawyer, filed an emergency temporary restraining order in Gloucester County Court to challenge the suspension. He argued that Little League's own social media accounts openly promote bat flips and that there is no specific rule prohibiting the action. Joe Rocco also highlighted that his son had performed similar celebrations in previous games without penalty or warning.
Judge Malestein sided with the Rocco family, stating that Little League's application of its rules appeared "arbitrary and capricious" given their inconsistent stance on bat flips. "By punishing this youngster on this occasion and not him on the two prior occasions, or by punishing this youngster and not others, who are on the website and on the social media website, of the X website of Little League baseball, it appears they engaging in an application of their rules which would appear to be arbitrary and capricious," Malestein said. The decision effectively blocked Little League from enforcing the one-game suspension, allowing Marco to play immediately.
In response to the court's decision, Little League International issued a statement affirming their respect for the ruling but expressed disappointment that the legal process diverted attention from their core mission. A spokesperson for Little League International stated, "While we understand and support the excitement and competition of our tournament, player safety and proper sportsmanship among all participants and fans must remain a focus." They reiterated their commitment to player safety and sportsmanship, while upholding the discretion of umpires in enforcing rules.
The case has ignited discussion about appropriate celebrations in youth sports and the interpretation of rules regarding "unsportsmanlike conduct." Marco Rocco was able to join his team for their state tournament game, marking a significant legal victory for the family and setting a precedent for similar disputes.