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Pennsylvania Little League district suspends use of Astros name

Joel Auerbach / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Little Leagues across the United States are continuing to deal with the fallout from the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

After two Little Leagues in California banned teams from being named the Astros in the upcoming season, Pennsylvania District 16/31 Little League announced it is doing the same.

"Right now, in our leagues, the Astros are suspended," Bob Bertoni, head of District 16/31 Little League, told ESPN.

"I think about our Little League pledge; that's the first thing that comes to my mind. Part of the pledge is, 'I will play fair and strive to win,'" Bertoni added. "Our kids emulate and idolize major-league players. I don't think we as an organization should be idolizing teams that have decided not to play by the rules."

Bertoni expressed concern that some Little Leaguers could try to mimic parts of the Astros' scheme.

"We're going to educate our managers and coaches to say, 'Stealing signs, pounding on a trash can, that nonsense is not what you do when you play baseball or softball," he said. "Cheating should never come into play."

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