Youth baseball struggles in Pittsburgh amid competition from other sports

In Pittsburgh, neighborhood baseball faces decline as youth gravitate toward football and other activities. The Braddock/North Braddock Little League, led by Ken Hodges, reports only one team per age bracket, down from five earlier. Community leagues, like Squirrel Hill and South Side, adapt by keeping costs low and accepting players from defunct programs. Historically, local interest in baseball has waned alongside the Pirates' struggles in recent decades. The Pirates last won their division in 1992 and have had limited playoff appearances since, impacting youth participation in baseball. Some local leagues still find success despite the broader trend.

• 8:21 AMYahoo Sports — Expensive travel teams and other sports are squeezing neighborhood baseball in Pittsburgh