California Little Leagues ban teams from using Astros name

There will be no teams named the Astros in two Southern California Little Leagues this season.

In response to the Houston Astros' illegal sign-stealing scheme, the Long Beach Little League and East Fullerton Little League have banned the Astros name, according to Keith Sharon of The Orange County Register.

"Parents are disgusted," said Long Beach Little League president Steve Klaus. "They are disgusted with the Astros and their lack of ownership and accountability. We know there's more to this scandal. What's coming tomorrow? With the Astros, you've got premeditated cheating."

The Long Beach Little League, which consists of 48 teams and 560 players, previously stopped using Braves and Indians team names because it didn't want children wearing images of Native Americans on their jerseys.

Greg Taylor, president of the East Fullerton Little League, said his league banned the name after it "received negative feedback from parents who felt Astros name was equated with impropriety."

Families from the East Fullerton league are scheduled to attend a game between the Astros and Los Angeles Angels in April, which has also prompted some pushback.

"Ironically, our district chose Astros vs. Angels game on April 5 for our annual event at Anaheim Stadium in our October planning meeting," Taylor said. "We have heard from several anxious parents about players being exposed to inappropriate or unruly behavior."