The Steel City Softball League (SCSL), Pittsburgh’s premier LGBTQ softball league, recently concluded its 43rd season, marking another year of spirited competition and community engagement. The season, which began in May and spanned the summer months, featured 14 teams across three divisions, culminating in the highly anticipated end-of-year tournament.
The league awards two sets of honors each season: the Regular Season Champions and the Playoff Champions. Teams compete fiercely throughout the summer to claim the regular season title, but the ultimate test comes during the playoff weekend, where all teams vie for the division championship in a double-elimination tournament.
In the Upper Division, congratulations are due to the Little Pigs, who secured both the Regular Season and Playoff Championships, with the Expendaballs finishing as runners-up in both categories.
The Middle Division witnessed a shift in momentum as the Gracie Lou Freebushes clinched the Regular Season title, but it was the Conundrums who surged to victory in the Playoff Championship.
The Lower Division saw the Growlers dominate, winning both the Regular Season and Playoff Championships. The QBurgh Riveters took second place in the Regular Season, while the Slayers made an impressive run to secure the runner-up spot in the Playoff Championship.
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To celebrate the season’s successes, the SCSL hosted an End of Season Party at 5801 Video Lounge and Café, where trophies and medals were awarded to the deserving teams.
The excitement doesn’t end there. The SCSL’s Annual Amateur Drag Pageant is set to take place on September 14, 2024, at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Etna. Hosted by Catty Wampus and Max Starvania, this event is open to both league members and non-members. Tickets are available for purchase now.
In further exciting news, the Steel City Softball League will be proudly represented at the 2024 International Pride Gay Softball World Series in Las Vegas, Nevada, this October. Two teams, the Expendaballs and the Growlers, will compete among 230 teams from 54 cities across the United States and Canada. We wish both teams the best of luck and encourage everyone to stay tuned for upcoming fundraisers supporting their journey.
Finally, a special acknowledgment goes to the SCSL Board members for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout the year. The success of this season is a testament to their commitment: Cassie Lloyd (Commissioner), Becca Powers (Assistant Commissioner), Angela Romanello (Assistant Commissioner), Harry Caskey (Secretary), Bobby Angelo (Treasurer), Shane Putorek (Fields Chairperson), Brian Werner (Membership Chair), and Mary Demino (Marketing Chair). Their efforts ensure that the league continues to thrive and provide a welcoming space for Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ community.
