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ONE Little league Baseball player gets Major League Support.
Marco Rocco, a 12-year-old player for Haddonfield Little League in New Jersey, Was suspended from a state tournament this week after turning his bat to celebrate after a home drive during a game on July 16.
In this undated photo provided by his father Joseph Rocco, Marco Rocco prepares to deliver a pitch in a baseball game in Haddonfield, NJ (Family courtesy photo via AP)
The suspension was overturned when the incident turned into a legal battle when his family sought a temporary restriction order that would allow Marco to play in the state tournament that began on Thursday.
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A judge agreed and let Marco play.
News about the controversial suspension reached MLB, and more players including New York Yankees Star Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was shocked by the disciplinary measures taken.
“I thought it was ridiculous. You’ll suspend a kid for having fun?” Said All-Star. “Crazy.”
New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) Rounds the bases after hitting a three-run home drive against Toronto Blue Jays during the first lap of a baseball match in Toronto on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (Jon Blacker/the Canadian press via AP)
Toronto Blue Jays Pitcher Max Scherzer agreed, adding that parties from conflicting players never seemed to bother him.
12-year-old Little Leaguer allowed back in the state tournament after the judge overturns bat flip-suspension
“If it’s a game-changing Homer, that’s fine. Even when I’m on the haug, it doesn’t annoy me. It’s a human reaction and it’s good for the game, like a jug that makes a fist pump after a big strike,” said the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
“I side-eyed on someone if they hit a solo shot and their team is down 5-0. It doesn’t jive with me. I don’t like it when opponents or teammates do it. I feel the same way with small leagues.”
Little League released a statement following the judge’s decision and doubled his support to judge.
In this undated photo provided by Joseph “Joe” Rocco, Joe Rocco and his son Marco Rocco make up a photo in Haddonfield, NJ (Family courtesy photo via AP)
“While we continue to follow all orders ruled by the Court, the Little League is extremely disappointed the time the energy and attention were redirected away from our volunteers and communities that create positive experiences for all players and families throughout the international tournament,” the statement says. “Pictures of parents and communities around the world, Little League has the integrity of the game, respect for gaming officials and sports of teams as core tenants in our program. We expect all players, coaches, volunteers and staff to maintain these values at all times.”
Marco competed against Eldera Little League in the first game of a four-team, double-limination tournament on Thursday night. He went 0 for 2 when the team lost 10-0 in a game that was shortened due to the rule of mercy.
He competes again on Saturday night.
