Steel City Softball Shines at World Series, Elects New Board, & Amateur Drag Pageant Returns

Former SCSL Commissioner, longtime supporter, and iPride Hall of Famer Nancy Pribich paid a visit to the team in Houston, TX.

The Steel City Softball League’s (SCSL) Little Pigs proudly represented Pittsburgh at the International Pride Gay Softball World Series, held last week in Houston, Texas. Competing in a field of 57 teams, the Little Pigs placed an impressive 13th in their division in the tournament.

The Little Pigs started with a loss to the Boston Postmasters but rallied to secure three consecutive wins against the San Diego Alley Cats, the Raleigh Woofs, and the Houston Legends. Their tournament run ended in a tough loss to the Dallas Texas Tea.

The team’s trip to Houston was sponsored by 5801 Video Lounge, Allies for Health + Wellbeing, Two Frays Brewery, and QBurgh. The League is already gearing up for next year, when the World Series will be held closer to home in Columbus, Ohio. The Gay Softball World Series comprises 57 member cities across the United States and Canada, with over 230 teams competing in seven separate divisions. 

The SCSL has also completed its elections and announced the new officers who will guide the league for a two-year term starting in October 2025. Commissioner Bobby Angelo, Assistant Commissioner – Recreational Division Matt Jenkins, Secretary Harry Caskey, and Membership Chairperson Leah McKown

Congratulations to the new officers as the League embarks on a landmark 45th Season beginning next spring.




Annual Amateur Drag Pageant FUNdraiser Returns

Timothey Chalagay.

Next up on the SCSL calendar is its annual Amateur Drag Pageant. Join the league for an evening of drag, drama, and delight as players from the league compete for the title of SCSL Amateur Drag Royalty.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 11, at the brand new Distillery Complex on the Southside. Six fabulous performers, representing six different teams, are set to take the stage.  They will be joined by amateur performers from teams competing for the title. 

Attendees will enjoy a special performance by reigning SCSL royalty, Timothey Chalagay, with hosting duties handled by Catty Wampus and Chi Chi de Vivre. DJ Jaxa Froot will keep the party going all evening.

Tickets, including VIP options, are limited and available by presale only.

Another great year for the Steel City Softball League!  Congratulations! 

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Jeff Freedman (he/him) is a Pittsburgh native celebrating his fourth decade of LGBTQ+ community volunteerism. A co-founder of the Steel City Softball League in 1981, Jeff has remained a dedicated advocate ever since. His leadership includes serving on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission for LGBTQ Affairs, chairing Pittsburgh Pride celebrations from 2005 to 2007, and currently serving as the Pittsburgh Pride March & Parade Co-Chair. In recognition of his lifelong dedication, Jeff was named the 2025 Pittsburgh Pride Grand Marshal. Regular parade-goers will recognize him as the enthusiastic voice on the megaphone organizing the march participants. Jeff looks forward to sharing his best stories—at least the printable ones—with the QBurgh community.