Support Grows for Little Leaguer Suspended Over Bat Flip

In an unexpected show of solidarity, a parent from a rival New Jersey Little League team is voicing support for a player suspended after a celebratory bat flip. The incident has sparked debate over the clarity of league rules regarding player conduct.

Chris Heenan, whose son plays for the Harrison Township Little League, criticized the officiating during the state finals game where Haddonfield player Marco Rocco was penalized. Rocco, 12, celebrated a home run by tossing his bat into the air, a move that led to his ejection and a one-game suspension.

“These umpires aren’t very good. It doesn’t warrant a game suspension,” Heenan stated, reflecting on the incident that occurred during a match against Harrison. The home run made the score 8-0, prompting the umpire's decision to remove Rocco from the game.

Rocco's father, Joe Rocco, expressed outrage over the suspension and has taken legal action to contest it. He filed court documents seeking to overturn the decision, which would prevent his son from participating in the upcoming New Jersey Little League State Tournament final.

Heenan, despite being affiliated with a competing team, echoed concerns about the enforcement of the “no horseplay” rule cited by the umpire. “I don’t believe it is common knowledge in Little League that you aren’t supposed to flip a bat,” he remarked, emphasizing that many players are unaware of such regulations.

The ambiguity surrounding the rule has raised questions among parents and players alike. “You can call almost anything ‘horseplay,’” Heenan noted. “If there’s no rule specifically against bat flipping in the handbook, how would you know?”

Joe Rocco argues that the league sends mixed signals by promoting celebratory bat flips on its social media platforms. Heenan concurred, suggesting that if such actions are encouraged online, players will naturally emulate them during games.

“If that’s what they’re promoting on social media, and that’s what kids are seeing, that’s what they’re gonna do,” Heenan said. “It sucks,” he added, acknowledging the lessons learned from this experience.

On Tuesday, Joe Rocco sought an emergency temporary restraining order in Gloucester County Chancery Division court to challenge his son’s suspension. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon to determine whether Marco can participate in the crucial game.

As of now, Little League International has not responded to inquiries regarding the situation.