Marco Rocco is officially suspended for the New Jersey state championship prior to the Little League World Series. The 12-year-old slugger is not allowed to compete, barring temporary restraining order, because of a bat flip.
However, his celebratory actions do not exceed the previous standard set by the same governing body in the past, so the subjective ruling will cast a dark cloud over the final result if his team loses without him.
Rocco plays for the Little League baseball program out of Haddonfield, New Jersey. They are the reigning state champions. He is the best hitter on a roster that stayed mostly in tact from a year ago.
Little League hates fun.
You do not want to leave a pitch up in the zone for Marco Rocco because he will knock it out of the park. And as soon as the ball leaves his bat, he is going to let you know it is gone. His bat flips are not subtle.
Rocco’s most recent celebration might’ve crossed the line— just a little bit. I am a big fan of bat flips and I believe baseball should be played loud but even I can admit it was egregious!
— – (@Spicoli_____) July 22, 2025
Unfortunately, Little League decided to suspend Rocco for the state championship because of the shenanigans. That I do not agree with.
Free Marco Rocco!
A Nicaraguan player hit a home run at the Little League World Series in Williamsport last year and proceeded to launch his bat to the moon with both hands, and hit the griddy as he crossed home plate. Little League actually posted the video on its official account in a positive manner.
The bomb
— Little League (@LittleLeague) August 23, 2022
The bat flip
The griddy#LLWS pic.twitter.com/FOgG6B2nDj
How is the behavior of Marco Rocco any different than the Nicaraguan celebration from a year ago? It certainly isn’t worse.
The international player was not suspended. Rocco will not be allowed to play in the state title game. That doesn’t make any sense.
His family agrees. The Rocco family patriarch is currently seeking an emergency temporary restraining order against Little League that will allow his son to play. It is now up to a judge.
If Marco Rocco is not allowed to play and Haddonfield loses without him, there will be an asterisk. We’ll see.