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 and Mr. Caesar Barron. MJBL is generally acknowledged as the oldest African-American

              owned and operated inner-city youth baseball league in America. 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.

   Dr. William Forrester

       Dr. William M.T. Forrester

              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.

              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.

              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.

Website Designed by MJBL @ 2010 at Homestead

  Metropolitan Junior Baseball League

"Preparing Our Youth For Success"