The Metropolitan Junior Baseball League will host its 33rd Annual Inner City Classic and Black World Series on July 30 in Washington, D.C. The event starts 6 p.m. at Maury Wills Field, following the 20th Annual Bobby Bonds Memorial Symposium at the Congressional Auditorium on Capitol Hill.

On Wednesday, several events will take place, including a skills showcase, the Mike Berry Home Run Derby, the Opening Ceremony, and pool play games. The skills showcase, a baseball skills display, will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Highland Springs High School. The highlight of the day is the featured game between the Richmond MJBL All Stars and the Freedom Farm All Stars from Nassau, Bahamas, for the 19-and-under division. This game will start at 7 p.m. at the Diamond. Pool play games will involve six divisions: 10-and-under, 12-and-under, 14-and-under, 16-and-under, 19-and-under, and an 18-and-under women’s softball championship. Participating states include Virginia, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington, D.C.

On Saturday, championship games will be played in the 10-and-under, 12-and-under, and 14-and under divisions. The 16-and-under, 19-and-under, and women’s championships will conclude this year’s event on Sunday. The Ken Free Most Valuable Player Classic Scholarship will be awarded to the top 19-and-under player.

The Charles “Pee Wee” Robinson Award will be presented to a participant from either the 12-and-under or 10-and-under division. All registered players will receive a free pass to Kings Dominion.

Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Va., will host the symposium, which brings together experts to discuss how baseball and education can benefit African American communities. Rep. Donald Davis, D-N.C., a member of the Democratic Congressional Baseball Team, also will speak.

Justin Journette, a Norfolk State University player, will receive the HBCU Most Valuable Baseball Player award.

 Justin Journette
 

Evan Smith, a former MJBL player, will present a donation from his nonprofit, Equal Shot 4 All.

Symposium panelists include former MLB player and manager Dusty Baker, Washington Nationals minority owner Paxton Baker, and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner Sonja Stills.

Charlie Wells, who played catcher for the Philadelphia Stars in the Negro Leagues, commented on the event’s significance.

“There are no African American catchers in the majors today. It’s extremely disappointing to see the steadfast decline of our young people in the game,” Wells said. “I’m pleased that MJBL is going to Capitol Hill to champion this issue and make the public aware of their awesome work in the black community.” Wells will have two great-nephews from Virginia participating in the Classic.

Founded in Richmond, in 1966, MJBL is one of the oldest African American-owned inner-city youth baseball leagues in the U.S. The organization aims to provide opportunities for primarily socially and economically disadvantaged youth through educational, athletic and cultural enrichment programs.

The symposium and games are free to the public.