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New York Times

A Little League player was suspended for a bat flip. His family has taken legal action

The family of a 12-year-old Little League player has taken legal action against Little League International after their son, Marco Rocco from Haddonfield, N.J., was suspended from playing in the state final after a bat-flip celebration in his team's qualifying game. Rocco celebrated by tossing his bat after hitting a two-run homer at the top of the sixth inning on July 16 in a game against Harrison. He was then ejected and received a one-game suspension, which will keep him out of the championship final round on Thursday against Ridgewood Little League at 8:30 p.m. in Deptford. The winner of the state title game advances to regionals, where they could move on to the Little League World Series. According to The Associated Press, the family was told Marco's actions were 'unsportsmanlike' and 'horseplay.' Appendix B of the Safety Code for Little League states, 'At no time should 'horse play' be permitted on the playing field.' However, Little League has promoted videos of bat flips in the past. Advertisement Marco's father, Joe, has reportedly requested an emergency temporary restraining order in the Gloucester County Chancery Division to try to reverse the suspension. According to The AP, the parties will make their arguments before a judge hours before Thursday's game. Joe said his family tried to resolve the incident with Little League International, but when they were unable to compromise, the family responded with legal action. 'He's played Little League his whole life, and his dream is to make it to the World Series in Williamsport,' Joe told 'We're in the state finals and are a couple of steps away. We're on our way there, and now, they tell him he can't play.' While Little League did not comment on its rules or the case, it appears to stand by the umpire's decision to eject and suspend Rocco. 'As this is active litigation, it's premature to comment on the specifics of this case at this time,' a spokesperson for Little League said. 'Little League International Tournament rules serve as the guide for any determination regarding conduct, of which fall distinctly under the discretion of the umpires. As an organization we must consistently honor the judgment of the umpires to ensure fairness across all games at all levels of play.'