Welcome To Metropolitan Junior Baseball League
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League, Inc. (MJBL) is a non-profit organization that was founded in Richmond, Virginia in 1966. In 1991, MJBL launched its Inner City Classic in Columbia, SC. It was designed to provide urban youth the opportunity to travel to other cities, compete in the game of baseball and to be exposed to diverse cultures. It has since grown to become a national network with teams throughout the United States and the Caribbean. MJBL Virginia welcomes you to read more about how our organization is helping to make a difference in the lives of others and how we are helping to bring baseball back to the inner city.
Mission
Our mission is to provide a platform for primarily socially and economically disadvantaged youth to realize their self worth through educational, athletic and cultural enrichment programs designed by individuals who strive to connect these youth to the legacies of African American life, achievements, and institutions. MJBL is focused on making sure our youth are productive citizens and prepared for success now and in the future.
Our Journey
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League Inc. (MJBL) was conceived to provide wholesome fun through the sport of baseball for the youngsters in Richmond, Virginia. The league was founded in 1966 by Dr. William M.T. Forrester. MJBL is generally acknowledged as one of the oldest African-American owned and operated inner-city youth baseball league in America. Mr. Ceasar Barron and Dr. Philmore Howlette were instrumental in the conception and structure of the league. It started with three teams financially supported by contributions from its board members and local businesses. The league was established during the days of segregation when there were very limited opportunities for African-American youngsters to participate in organized baseball. Thus, MJBL was formed to provide baseball for youth of all nationalities who desired to play. In 1988 MJBL decided to expand its program to develop our youth into well rounded citizens. An educational and cultural enrichment program component was incorporated into our program to achieve this goal. Today, MJBL offers its program in numerous states throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Mr. Ceasar Barron
Dr. William M.T. Forrester
The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League was founded in 1966, as a result of Dr. Forrester’s son, William Jr., being denied the opportunity to participate in several all White Little League baseball programs. During the 1960’s segregation was still very much alive in the Richmond area, and this included Little League Baseball.
Dr. William Manning Taylor Forrester was born on March 26, 1906, in Richmond, Virginia. After receiving his medical degree from Howard University, Dr. Forrester returned to Richmond where he practiced medicine for over 50 years. Dr. Forrester was a member of the Richmond Medical Society and the Richmond Academy of Medicine. His civic and community affiliations included being a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and co-founder and treasurer of the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League.
It was stated that even if William Jr. was allowed to participate on the local team, there would still be opposition by other teams in the league. As a result of the opposition, no one would be able to play. Dr. Forrester was a civil rights activist, and he was not willing to let any child be denied the opportunity to participate in an organized sport, simply because of the color of his skin. He came up with a plan, met with others and organized the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League with the understanding that this league would be open to all interested youth.