The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL) hosted its annual Bobby Bonds Memorial Symposium at the Congressional Auditorium on Capitol Hill on July 30. The event, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-Va.), celebrated the enduring impact of African American contributions to baseball and explored ways to revitalize the sport in inner-city communities.
Founded in Richmond, Virginia, in 1966, MJBL has a storied history of providing baseball opportunities to socially and economically disadvantaged youth. Initially conceived by Dr. William M.T. Forrester, the league has expanded its reach nationally and into the Caribbean, fostering not only athletic skills but also educational and cultural enrichment.
“Too often, low-income inner-city youth do not have access to athletics or extracurricular activities,” McClellan said. “MJBL’s programs cultivate social development, foster meaningful friendships, provide physical exercise, and teach valuable lessons like hard work, leadership, and resilience.”
MJBL has consistently integrated educational and cultural programs into its athletic framework. The league’s Inner City Classic, launched in 1991, has allowed urban youth to travel, compete, and experience diverse cultures, enriching their personal and social development.
Broadcasting commitments prevented some key figures from attending in person, but their messages of support resonated throughout the event. The commitment to youth education, community engagement, and the love of the game remains at the heart of MJBL’s mission.
The 2024 Bobby Bonds Memorial Symposium reaffirmed the importance of preserving African American heritage in baseball and has inspired a new generation to carry the torch forward.
The symposium featured a distinguished panel of African American Major League Baseball (MLB) trailblazers.
Dusty Baker, a former player and manager of the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals and Houston Astros, shared insights on tenacity in baseball.
“Some of the lessons that I’ve learned are perseverance, determination, patience, camaraderie, teamwork, and learning to get along with others,” said Baker. “Baseball taught me really about myself and about other people at the same time.”
He also discussed the need for baseball to embrace cultural shifts to stay relevant.
David James, vice president of Baseball and Softball Development at Major League Baseball, discussed MLB’s initiatives to make the sport more accessible, including the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program.
“We’re trying to find more ways to get more kids in front of the game. Baseball is hard, but with initiatives like Quick Ball and free tournaments at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, we’re making it easier for kids to start and succeed,” James explained.
Paxton Baker, a minority owner of the Washington Nationals, reflected on the lessons baseball teaches about teamwork and cultural coexistence.
“You have to love the game or love what you’re doing to have enthusiasm,” he noted. “You must feel that nobody’s going to give you anything; you have to persevere, have character, and recognize when you’re getting a break.”
The symposium offered a call to action to sustain and grow the legacy of African American participation in baseball. The panelists emphasized the importance of making baseball “cool” again and ensuring that young athletes have the resources and support needed to succeed both on and off the field.
Ricky Clemons, former MLB player and HBCU advocate, highlighted the critical need for visibility and opportunities for African American athletes.
“When I was coming up, there were Black stars everywhere. Hopefully, things will get better soon in baseball,” he noted.
Great article on MJBL Symposium. Informing the community on the efforts of organizations to promote the legacy of Blacks in baseball is of tremendous
benefit. Exposing the presence of Blacks who are part of the ownership of the Nationals was eye-opening and great to see. Hope your publication continues to cover these type stories.