NJ Little Leaguer cleared to play after being suspended for bat flip celebration

Now to controversy surrounding a little league baseball game. One of the young players was suspended for a se celebratory batflip. Today the case ended up before a judge as the team is just hours away from starting the playoffs. Action News reporter Trish Hartman live for us now in Deford with the full story. And Trish, there's been a decision in court today. There was sorry that hearing lasted nearly two hours with enthusiastic arguments from attorneys representing both the player and Little League International. In the end, a county judge granted that injunctive relief, allowing the boy to play in the state tournament playoffs tonight. It was the top of the sixth inning of the sectional tournament game when Hadenfield's Marco Roco hit a two-run homer, putting his team up 8- nothing. In celebration, the 12-year-old flipped his bat into the air, seen here on this video taken at the July 16th game. >> He's like a second son, so I'm always recording his up bats like he's my own kid. >> But the celebration was shortlived. >> He immediately like came onto the field from home plate and and uh grabbed the rest of the they had a a meeting with the rest of the umpires. >> After that meeting, Rocco was not just ejected from the game because of the bat flip, but also issued a oneame suspension. >> He had to sit on the bleachers with his mom. He's vis visibly upset. That next game is the opening game of the statewide tournament. The next step in hopes of making it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport. >> I think the litigation was brought in good faith. >> And so Marco's father took Little League to court seeking injunctive relief to allow his son to play after hearing arguments from attorneys on both sides. A Gloucester County judge this afternoon ruled Marco can play. >> There's no amount of money in the world that's going to bring back whether or not he plays in the game tonight. that starts in about 5 hours. >> An attorney representing Little League said the bat flip was unsafe and unsportsmanlike and the umpire's call should be final, but the judge pointed to promotional videos from prior Little League World Series games on the organization's website, showing the young players bat flipping in celebration. >> They learned from major leagues. >> Baseball fans say it's also regularly seen from the pros with no consequence. >> Every batter does it. When they hit a home run, they flip flip the bat and they throw the bat, whatever. Now, we reached out to the Roco family, but we have not heard back from them. In a statement released minutes ago from Little League International, a spokesperson said, quote, "We respect the determination and judgment of the umpire who was present and are disappointed that a legal ruling contradicts the integrity of Little League International's value and rules." As for tonight, this is a four team double el elimination state tournament. Hadenfield takes on Elmora tonight at 8:30m. We're live in Deford, New Jersey, Trish Hartman, Channel 6 Action News.