Suspended Little Leaguer’s bat sells for nearly $10,000 at auction

The bat flip incident that made headlines in the Little League community has taken an unexpected turn, as the bat tossed in the air by 12-year-old Marco Rocco has been sold for nearly $10,000 at auction. The auction, conducted by Goldin Auctions, drew 68 bids, with the winning bid coming in at $9,882. All proceeds from the sale of the signed bat will be donated to Haddonfield Little League, the program Marco plays for.

The controversial bat flip occurred on July 16 during the final of the Little League sectional tournament, resulting in an ejection, a one-game suspension, and a legal battle. Marco’s father, Joe Rocco, took Little League to court and won an emergency temporary restraining order that allowed Marco to play in the state tournament, where he would have otherwise been suspended. The bat flip incident also garnered attention from major leaguers who supported Marco.

In a statement, Joe Rocco expressed his gratitude for the support and explained that Marco wanted to give back to the organization that had been such a significant part of his life. The bat flip, which initially caused controversy, has now turned into a positive opportunity to support youth baseball.

The incident has been commemorated with a pin available at the Little League World Series, further solidifying Marco’s place in Little League history. The sale of the bat at auction not only highlights the unique circumstances surrounding the bat flip but also serves as a reminder of the power of the Little League community to come together and support its players.

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