The bat flipped sky-high by a New Jersey Little Leaguer in celebration of a home run, an act that led to his brief suspension before a judge overturned the call, has now made its way into baseball history for another reason. Marco Rocco’s signed bat was sold at auction Friday for just under $10,000, with all proceeds going back to Haddonfield Little League, the program the 12-year-old proudly represents.
“Marco loves Little League and is happy that he is able to give back to an organization that he is very fond of,” his father, Joe Rocco, shared in a text message. “Little League was such a big part of Marco’s life for a long time.”
The bat drew 68 bids through Goldin Auctions before closing at $9,882. The winning bidder’s name was not revealed, but the moment clearly struck a chord with the baseball community.
Rocco’s now-famous bat flip came July 16 in the sectional tournament final, where his celebratory toss drew an ejection, a one-game suspension, and eventually a courtroom battle. His father’s appeal earned an emergency restraining order, clearing Marco to take the field in the state tournament’s opening round.
What started as a local controversy quickly became a national baseball story. A commemorative pin of the bat flip was later featured at the Little League World Series, while big leaguers themselves rallied behind the youngster, supporting the joy and passion he showed for the game.
For a player still years away from high school ball, Marco Rocco has already left a mark far beyond his league and now his bat has, too.