the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood , NJ – July 2025 – A 12-year-old New Jersey Little League standout, Marco Rocco, has been suspended from a state-final game after being ejected for a bat flip celebration during a home run.
Now, with Haddonfield Little League on the brink of a state championship, Marco’s family has filed an emergency temporary restraining order in Gloucester County Chancery Division, hoping to allow him to play in the crucial matchup.
⚾ What Happened?
On July 16, during a state tournament game against Harrison, Marco blasted a home run in the top of the sixth inning. After flipping his bat in celebration, umpires ejected him, citing a “safety concern” and a violation of Little League’s no horseplay rule.
According to Joe Rocco, Marco’s father, the family was informed that bat flipping is considered “horseplay” under Little League International rules—a violation that triggers an automatic one-game suspension.
But the Roccos say the punishment is unfair.
“He’s played Little League his whole life, and his dream is to make it to the World Series in Williamsport,” said Joe Rocco. “We’re just a few steps away, and now they’re telling him he can’t play.”
🤔 Bat Flipping: Rule Violation or Celebrated Moment?
The family points out what many have noticed: bat flips are often celebrated on social media and TV broadcasts of the Little League World Series.
“Little League International openly promotes bat flipping all over their social media accounts, websites, and broadcasts,” said Joe Rocco. “My son was just emulating what he sees from the players he admires.”
Requests for comment from Little League International and the East Regional Office overseeing the N.J. State Tournament were not immediately returned.
🏆 State Title on the Line
The New Jersey Little League 12U State Tournament has reached the final four teams:
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Haddonfield Little League
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Holbrook Little League (Jackson)
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Elmora Little League (Elizabeth)
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Ridgewood Little League
Haddonfield is set to face Ridgewood Little League at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Deptford as part of a double-elimination bracket. The winner advances to the Metro Region Tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, one step closer to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
⚖️ Family Takes Legal Action
The Rocco family tried to resolve the situation directly with Little League International, but officials declined to lift the suspension.
“They said, ‘No, we’re not doing that,’ and basically that they’re not willing to compromise in any way,” Joe Rocco explained.
The family now hopes the restraining order will allow Marco to take the field, keeping Haddonfield’s title hopes alive.
📌 Key Points
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Marco Rocco, 12, ejected for a bat flip celebration in state tournament game
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One-game suspension sidelines him for state semifinals
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Family files emergency court order to overturn suspension
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Haddonfield faces Ridgewood in state semifinal Thursday
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Winner advances to Metro Region Tournament in Bristol, CT
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Haddonfield doesn’t have any turfed fields.
The little brat will likely get reinstated in time for Friday’s game against Ridgewood.
Everyone knows you can’t flip your bat.
Let’s go Ridgewood !
Ridgewood plays Jackson/Holbrook tonite
It’s bull shit , I seen it.
Little Marco has been re-instated.