New Jersey Little Leaguer plays after judge lifts his suspension for 'unsportsmanlike' bat flip
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The 12-year-old played Thursday night for his New Jersey team hours after he faced a suspension from his first state tournament game after he was ejected for flipping his bat as he celebrated a home run.
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Marco, who's from Haddonfield, New Jersey, tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament. Marco was ejected and suspended for a game over what his family was told were actions deemed 'unsportsmanlike' and 'horseplay.'
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The family sought an emergency temporary restraining order that would allow him to play in the New Jersey state tournament that started Thursday.
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He got one.
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Judge Robert Malestein ruled hours before the game that Marco could play.
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Joe Rocco, Marco's father, said the experience was 'stressful' but added he was 'just happy my son got to play baseball.'
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Marco played for Haddonfield against Elmora Little League in the first game of a four-team, double-elimination tournament at the Deptford Township Little League complex. Elmora won 10-0 in a game that was shortened to four innings by the mercy rule. Marco went 0 for 2 with two strikeouts.
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Marco was on the bench when the game started — his father said it was to ease Marco into the game — but was inserted at third base after Haddonfield's starting pitcher allowed six runs in two-thirds of an inning and was pulled.
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Little League stood behind its umpires but said it would respect the judge's decision.
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'While we continue to follow any orders governed by the court of law, Little League is extremely disappointed that time, energy, and attention were diverted away from our volunteers and communities who are creating positive experiences for all players and families throughout the International Tournament,' Little League International wrote in a statement. 'Trusted by parents and communities around the world, Little League holds the integrity of the game, respect for game officials, and sportsmanship of teams as core tenants of our program. We expect all players, coaches, volunteers, and staff to uphold these values at all times.'
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The sides made their arguments before a judge in Gloucester County Chancery Division on Thursday afternoon, just hours before the game. The winner of the state tournament advances to the regionals, where it has a chance to move on to the Little League World Series.
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