Richmond coaches and players took on big roles in helping the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League mark its 50th anniversary providing youth baseball during the nonprofit organization’s recent East-West All-Star games in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Savannah, Ga.

In the 19-and-under games in Daytona Beach, Josiah Armstrong of The Steward School, Tyriq Branch of Henrico High School and Chris Hayden of Lloyd C. Bird High School in Chesterfield County helped the East All Stars win the title. The team beat the West 11-4 in the championship game Jan. 18.

Armstrong had a hit and stole four bases, Branch doubled and Hayden had two hits for the East, according to William M.T. Forrester Jr., executive director of Richmond-based MJBL.

Christopher Armstrong, a Richmond Fire lieutenant, also helped coach the East to victory, Mr. Forrester said.

For the West team, Joshua Plummer of Hanover High School doubled in the losing cause. Mitch Jackson of Hermitage High School also played for the West team.

Meanwhile in Savannah on Jan. 16, Rahsaan Wigfall, a Richmond Police detective, coached the winning West All-Star Team for 15-and-under youths. The West team, which included five Richmond area players, won 10-2 and 12-10 to claim the title over the East, Mr. Forrester said.

The West also won the crown for 12-and-under players in Savannah. Four Richmond players were on that winning team, Mr. Forrester said.

MJBL is open to all youths. It operates mostly in inner-cities and has expanded to include teams in 19 states and The Bahamas.