Flip off, Little League — adults need to stop sucking the fun out of kids' sports
At the youth level, it's even more ridiculous and unnecessary. Maybe I'm a little too Norman Dale old-school, but kids should be learning and perfecting the game's fundamentals — which do not include acting like a jackass with excessive celebrations.
Sure, enjoy the ride, cheer the big moments, soak in all the goofy goodness that comes with playing alongside a group of buddies. But act like you've been there before.
5 Marco Rocco, 12, has been suspended from Little League play for a bat flip.
Facebook/Liz Rocco
However.
Even I think it's too puritanical to eject a bat-flipping kid from play with his team on the road to the Little League World Series in Williamsport — otherwise known as 12-year-old boy heaven.
Marco Rocco, a rising seventh-grader from Haddonfield, NJ, was ejected from a game July 16, during sectional play, because he flipped his bat after knocking one out of the park. The umpire reportedly cited 'a safety concern' and Little League International told the family he had broken a rule.
The ejection carries with it a one-game suspension in the state tournament, which kicks off Thursday. The winner goes to the Metro Region tournament in Bristol, Conn., one stop away from Williamsport.
5 The umpire reportedly cited 'a safety concern' over Rocco's July 16 flip and Little League International told the family he had broken a rule.
X / @Spicoli_____
The Rocco family has filed an emergency temporary restraining order in the Gloucester County Chancery Division court, hoping to have the suspension overturned. The judge said he'll decide right before the game tomorrow, leaving the poor kid on pins and needles.
Look, we don't want time-honored tournaments to turn into some trash-talking, bat-flipping bonanza. But we also don't want hardo officials soaking up all the fun in what should be an unforgettable boyhood memory.
'My son is distraught. He said, 'I didn't know I was breaking a rule, I see bat flips all over TV during the Little League World Series,'' Joe Rocco, Marco's dad, told the Courier Post.
5 Haddonfield, NJ, Little Leaguer Marco Rocco's family is fighting to have his suspension lifted.
Facebook/Liz Rocco
Furthermore, Joe told The Post that officials were being 'hypocritical. They post bat-flipping on their own Twitter account.'
In one such highlight posted to the Little League World Series' official X feed, retired Major Leaguer Todd Frazier — himself a 1998 LLWS Champion — called a 2022 LLWS game where he marveled over Nicaragua's Luis Garcia's post-homer celebration.
'The bat flip to go with it!' Frazier crowed. 'That is one of the highest bat flips I have ever seen.'
5 Marco Rocco with his father Joe Rocco — who has called the suspension hypocritical considering the Little League World Series has shared footage of other kids flipping their bats during past tournaments.
Facebook/Liz Rocco
It feels disingenuous to have such excitement be part of the festivities … and then exact a penalty on a kid mimicking the move that triggered it. The interpretation of a 'horseplay rule' is murky at best.
The Little League World Series is for 12-year-olds, and this is Marco and his team's one shot at playing in it.
A ballplayer like Marco — who, I'm assuming, has not been repeatedly defiant of umpires and coaches — has likely been dreaming of this summer his entire life.
Missing even one game wouldn't be a lesson so much as a cruel punishment.
5 The New Jersey state Little League tournament kicks off Thursday. The winner goes to the Metro Region tournament in Bristol, Conn., one stop away from the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Penn. (above).
New York Post
In this week's double elimination tournament, Haddonfield will be facing three other teams, including Holbrook, the very Little League where yours truly spent hours watching my brothers — and playing one illustrious season of T-ball before realizing I stunk.
So I'll be rooting for Holbrook to advance to Bristol.
But I'm also rooting for Rocco and his teammates to get a fair shot with the full power of their complete roster.
Give the kid a warning and, to borrow the sentiment of Bob Watson, in 'The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training': Let him play.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
6 minutes ago
- USA Today
Cowboys' Blue-light special staking his claim to significant snaps come the regular season
Jaydon Blue Former superstore giant K-Mart introduced the Blue Light Special which offered temporary discounts on various items. The Cowboys drafted UT running back Jaydon Blue in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft and it appears Dallas may have gotten themselves a blue deal of their own. The potential bargain was on full display on Sunday. The first day of padded practice was the first live look of real hitting and Blue made several plays which turned a few heads out at Oxnard. Describing it as the worst running back room in the NFL may prove to be one of the biggest misevaluations of the offseason. On this carry, Blue displayed his cutback ability, as well as the acceleration that made him a mismatch nightmare in Austin. Shortly after, the defense got a firsthand look at how quickly Blue can climb to the second level. The rookie rusher seems to effortlessly get to top speed faster than the defenders attempting to corral him. Hard to ask for a much better first week of camp from Jaydon Blue What makes Blue especially difficult to guard is his pass-catching ability from out of the backfield. On this play, backup quarterback Joe Milton hits the running back in the flats forcing defenders to make an open field tackle on a very elusive runner. Joe Milton to Jaydon Blue "Yeah, the speed, the dynamic playmaking ability. I think he's a dual-threat guy. I think you can hand him the ball. He doesn't need a lot of space to make people miss, and his acceleration is uncanny. I mean, his ability to get to top speed is unique,"- Brian Schottenheimer on Jaydon Blue Just a day prior, Milton ran to his right while evading pressure just before locating Blue who made a one-handed catch down the sideline putting him into contention for the best catch in training camp. The crowd erupted in "Ooh's and Aah's" clapping at the completion although the rookie RB must remember some college rules don't apply anymore. The catch of camp so far on a diving back one-handed snag from Jaydon Blue downfield Camp is barely in its infancy but one cannot overlook the fact at how impressive and dangerous the fifth-round rookie could be for the Cowboys this season. Another big-play producer such as Blue would fit nicely alongside the current stars of the offense. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook and follow @ArmyChief3 to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
USA Today
6 minutes ago
- USA Today
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe shares possible timeline for Caitlin Clark return from injury
During the nationally broadcast 93-78 Indiana Fever win over the Chicago Sky from the United Center on Sunday afternoon, ESPN reporter Holly Rowe provided a more in-depth update on Caitlin Clark's injury and when the former Hawkeye could be expected to return to action. Clark, who has remained out since July 15 after suffering a right groin injury against the Connecticut Sun, remains a constant presence on the bench for the Fever as the team plays without its franchise cornerstone. '[Clark] did see a specialist last week, and no additional injury was found in that exam and scans. Stephanie White did tell us that they will be even more cautious in their approach to her return to play this time. 'Last time when she came back from injury, she didn't get any practice time [or] any time to ramp up her conditioning. This time, they're going to make sure she has time and practice to get rhythm and time with her teammates," Rowe said. Sunday's game marked the fourth consecutive game Clark has missed due to the right groin ailment. In total, Clark has now been absent for 13 regular season games with three different injury setbacks. Rowe finished her report on Clark by pointing to the Fever's schedule, which features a five-day break around the third week of August, between Indiana's Aug. 17 road game against the Connecticut Sun and their Aug. 22 home game against the Minnesota Lynx. While admitting that Clark remains "day-to-day" according to the team, Rowe alluded to the specific window between games as an ideal timetable for a potential return, given the star guard's ability to secure a few more days of practice during that period. As you look at their schedule, the third week in August provides a few more practice days where that seems like it's realistic. While she does remain day-to-day, that seems like a better timetable for a possible Caitlin Clark return," Rowe said. As for the immediate future, Indiana (14-12) will look to continue their confident play when the team returns home to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a matchup against former teammate DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury (16-9) on Wednesday, July 30. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN3. Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions. Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNews.
Los Angeles Times
6 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
Prep Rally: These offensive linemen will be throwing their weight around this season
Hi, and welcome to another edition of Prep Rally. This week, with official football practice beginning on Monday, let's look at the players who never pass up doughnuts, steaks or pancakes — the offensive linemen. Those with ambitions of winning football championships know it starts with the offensive line. In the City Section, Birmingham has weaknesses to fix, but a big, experienced offensive line that will create openings for two promising running back transfers will be key to the Patriots' City title hopes. Leading the way is junior Pablo Granados, an improving 6-foot-4, 280-pound left tackle who started as a sophomore. San Pedro returns two All-City linemen in David Medina and Quincy Couch. Banning has Erick Hernandez, a 6-5, 260-pound senior. Kai Wheeler is a 6-2, 320-pound senior offensive tackle from Crenshaw becoming more agile and stronger. Mater Dei went unbeaten in the Southern Section last season aided by a strong offensive line, and two of the Monarchs' top blockers return in Kodi Greene and Lex Mailangi. Servite might have the best sophomore lineman in Elisha Mueller. Alabama commit Sam Utu leads an experienced Orange Lutheran line that includes junior Lucas Rhoa. Josh Haney at JSerra, Niniva Nicholson at Santa Margarita and Kaden Franco at St. John Bosco round out an impressive group of blockers in the Trinity League. Cooper Javorsky, a UCLA commit at San Juan Hills, had a great off season to surge as a player and prospect. Andre White at Rancho Cucamonga and Elisha Faamatuainu of Murrieta Valley are big men to watch in the Inland Empire. Dylan Felli of Mission Viejo is the key blocker for quarterback Luke Fahey. Blake Graham of Leuzinger is a 280-pound battering ram. As high school football practices begin Monday, three downtown Los Angeles high schools, Contreras, Roybal and Belmont, are trying to deal with the effects of ICE raids in the community. Summer practices have been disrupted. Coaches have been trying to keep players safe and calm fears of parents. Here's a look at the fears and obstacles ahead. Drone operators, managers and athletic trainers. As football practices begin Monday, coaches are relying on unsung contributors to help them manage programs. Here's a look. There's lots of challenges among City Section coaches, but the only way forward is to focus on players you have, teach them, allow them to have fun and prepare them for life ahead. Here's a look at why City coaches have stopped fighting and started sharing stories and ideas to move forward. The Westchester Del Rey softball team will be competing in the Little League World Series in North Carolina this week. Here's the report. . . . Quarterback Deuce Jefferson from Long Beach Poly has committed to Weber State. . . . Corona High first-round draft picks Seth Hernandez, Billy Carlson and Brady Ebel received a combined $16,235,900 in signing bonuses. . . . Warren graduate Angel Cervantes, a second-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates, announced he would be attending UCLA. The hard-throwing Cervantes will be a key addition to the Bruins' pitching staff. The deadline to sign a pro contract is 2 p.m. on Monday. Here's the report. . . . The Perfect Game All-American Game will be held Aug. 17 at Petco Park. Among the players selected for the West team is outfielder Blake Bowen of JSerra, infielder Trey Ebel of Corona, outfielder Isaiah Hearn of Chaminade, outfielder Anthony Murphy of Corona, pitcher Logan Schmidt of Orange Lutheran and outfielder Eric Zdunek of Orange Lutheran. . . . Joseph Nava is the new wrestling coach at Santa Margarita. Ivan Buich, a former USC assistant, is the school's new boys water polo coach. . . . Defensive lineman JD Hill of Mission Viejo has committed to Northern Arizona. During her prolific high school basketball days at Windward, Jordin Canada said she wanted to become a nurse. Basketball, though, has taken up much of her time, from UCLA to spending eight years in the WNBA. This season she's playing for the Atlanta Dream, averaging 10 points a game. The former Los Angeles Times player of the year was at the beginning of the rapid growth of girls' basketball in the Southland. Here's a story from 2013 when she was The Times' player of the year. Here's a video from 2013 on Canada's guard skills in the state championship game. From a story on former Mira Costa third baseman Kyle Karros. From a story on a sportswriter switching sides. From Burlisononbasketball, a story on late summer basketball movers. From BaseballAmerica, a story on UCLA coach John Savage trying to keep building without lots of transfers. From a story encouraging multi-sport athletes in high school. Have a question, comment or something you'd like to see in a future Prep Rally newsletter? Email me at and follow me on Twitter at @latsondheimer. Did you get this newsletter forwarded to you? To sign up and get it in your inbox, click here.
