Jazz Chisholm calls out ‘ridiculous’ suspension for bat-flipping NJ Little Leaguer

Many across the sports world — including one Yankees star — have now sounded off about the drama surrounding New Jersey Little Leaguer Marco Rocco.

After the 12-year-old from Haddonfield Little League hit a two-run homer on July 16, Rocco flipped his bat in the air in jubilation. That crossed the line, according to the game’s umpire, and Rocco was tossed from the game, meaning he was also suspended from the next game his team played in the state tournament.

But after his family took legal action, Rocco was allowed to play his next game on Thursday, where Haddonfield ultimately lost 10-0 to Elmora Little League. His squad did win Friday, 11-3, over Ridgewood.

This incident led some MLB players to speak on the ejection, including Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Chisholm Jr. was on Rocco’s side, saying that the suspension was “ridiculous.” 

“I thought that was ridiculous,” Chisholm told reporters Friday, according to the Associated Press. “You’re going suspend a kid for having fun? Crazy.”

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer was also on Rocco’s side.

“If it’s a game-changing homer, it’s fine. Even when I’m on the mound, it doesn’t irk me. It’s a human reaction, and it’s good for the game, just like a pitcher doing a fist pump after a big strikeout,” Scherzer said.

Little League abided by a judge’s ruling that allowed Rocco to keep playing, but said it was frustrated with the decision.

“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,” the organization wrote in a statement.

Rocco’s father, Joe, said on Tuesday — before the decision was made to allow his son to play — that the family was upset by the entire situation.

“We’re sick to our stomachs over this,” Rocco told the Cherry Hill Courier Post on Tuesday after the Haddonfield 12-U team’s practice. “My son is distraught. He said, ‘I didn’t know I was breaking a rule, I see bat flips all over TV during the Little League World Series.’

“He doesn’t understand why he was ejected from the game. I told him, ‘Sometimes life isn’t fair, but I’ll go to bat for you.’”