Mixed Reactions Emerge Over Suspension of NJ Boy for Bat Flipping

Parents voiced their opinions Wednesday regarding the Little League's decision to suspend a New Jersey boy from a state championship game after he celebrated a home run by flipping his bat. Reactions varied widely, with some deeming the punishment excessive while others supported the league's stance.

“It’s stupid. I think it’s overkill. It’s too much, especially for kids,” remarked Josh Baker, 28, as he browsed the Major League Baseball store on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. Baker, who works as a Sports Information Director for College Athletics in Michigan, suggested a more lenient approach. “Just give the kid a warning, [say] ‘Hey don’t throw the bat,’” he added, emphasizing that the joy of hitting a home run should not lead to severe consequences.

The incident involved 12-year-old Marco Rocco, a player from Haddonfield Little League, who was ejected from a game against Harrison Little League for his celebratory bat flip. The umpire deemed it “horseplay,” resulting in Rocco being suspended from the upcoming championship game.

Mark Pulver, 53, a Little League coach from California visiting New York City for a tournament, took a different stance. He argued that adherence to rules is essential, regardless of the circumstances. “As a parent who has coached little league for 13 years, I believe the rules need to be adhered to,” he stated. However, he acknowledged the significance of a home run in such a pivotal moment. Despite this, he maintained that Rocco's actions could have posed risks to others on the field.

“It’s sad to say but... I don’t think the suspension should be changed,” Pulver concluded.

Conversely, other baseball enthusiasts called for leniency. Rafael Pabon, 46, a martial artist from West New York, New Jersey, expressed empathy for Rocco. “Can you imagine how he feels? As far as he’s concerned, this is the highlight of his life!” Pabon remarked, envisioning a bright future for the young player. “Who knows, he could be playing for the Mets or the Yankees one day. Don’t be so heartless.”

In response to the suspension, Rocco’s father, Joe Rocco, filed an emergency temporary restraining order in Gloucester County Chancery Division to contest the decision. A judge has postponed the ruling until Thursday at 1:30 pm, just hours before the championship game is set to commence.