Little League Baseball will respect a decision by Gloucester County Superior Court Judge Robert G. Malestein, but the organization sounded far from thrilled about it.
Haddonfield, New Jersey, Little Leaguer Marco Rocco had his suspension temporarily overturned Thursday afternoon, allowing him to play in an important state tournament game at night.
Rocco was suspended after he was ejected from a game last week for flipping his bat in the air in celebration of a home run.
The 12-year-old’s family took the case to court, where they were victorious — hours before the New Jersey Little League State Tournament final was set to begin. It forced Little League Baseball to begrudgingly acquiesce to the court’s ruling.
“Little League International respects, and will uphold, the Gloucester County Superior Court of New Jersey Chancery Division judge’s decision to allow a Haddonfield (N.J.) Little League player to participate in the Little League Baseball New Jersey State Tournament and beyond following an ejection caused by unsportsmanlike conduct last week,” a statement released by the organization read.
“While we continue to follow any orders governed by the court of law, Little League is extremely disappointed that time, energy, and attention were diverted away from our volunteers and communities who are creating positive experiences for all players and families throughout the International Tournament. Trusted by parents and communities around the world, Little League holds the integrity of the game, respect for game officials, and sportsmanship of teams as core tenants of our program.
“We expect all players, coaches, and staff to uphold these values at all times.”
Rocco performed the celebration during a July 16 game against Harrison Little League, which led to his ejection and eventual suspension.
Judge Malestein deemed that Little League had not been clear or consistent in its stance on bat flipping and didn’t agree with the organization’s argument that the case would create a slippery slope and would allow for parents to run to the courts when they disagreed with officials’ rulings.
“There’s no specific Little League rule that prohibits bat flipping. It’s not illegal, it’s not a violation of any express rule. And it appears to be promoted [by the league itself],” Malestein said during his decision.
Little League stood behind its umpires in their statement.
“Little League maintains that tournament rules serve as the guide for any determination regarding conduct, of which falls distinctly under the discretion of the umpire,” the organization said. “As all youth sports officiating continues to face challenges and abuse by parents and fans, and as we face a nationwide shortage of umpires and volunteers, it is more important than ever that we are supportive of Little League umpires, including the judgements and decisions they make at the local league level.
“While we understand and support the excitement and competition of our tournament, player safety and proper sportsmanship among all participants and fans must remain a focus. We respect the determination and judgement of the umpire who was present and are disappointed that a legal ruling contradicts the integrity of Little League International’s value and rules.”
Haddonfield is one of four remaining teams in the state tournament and is set to face Elmora at 8:30 p.m.