Metropolitan Junior Baseball League, Inc

MJBL COMMISSIONER SPOTLIGHT

Name: Roedwin L. Brooks MJBL position: Commissioner-Texas/Assistant National Commissioner Date and place of birth: 6/18/60 Current home: Dallas, Texas Education: Attended University of Arkansas Little Rock How long have you been involved with MJBL? Since 2005

What made you decide to form the Dallas Baseball Alliance? I felt a strong need to provide activities for positive youth development in our community. In 2006, a group of sports-oriented, community organizers put on a much needed free baseball clinic for youth of all ages. This free event, sponsored in part by Dallas I.S.D., drew 150 youth and was led by pro scouts, former players, pro and collegiate instructors. Using this event as a springboard, those same community organizers formed a bond and a common purpose through the creation of the non-profit group 501c3 baseball organization called the Dallas Baseball Alliance, whose mission is to motivate students to achieve excellence in all they do. The name Dallas Baseball Alliance was thoughtfully chosen and reflects our desire to align ourselves with the community on multiple fronts with the general thread being to keep our community strong through youth development.

Why did you start an MJBL league in your city? We believe in creating avenues of opportunities for student athletes in our midst. MJBL is the perfect vehicle on a national level to help do just that. Why did you decide to get involved with youth sports? Do you work in other sports besides baseball? My son, who is one of the top players in the SWAC, created my interest in youth baseball. He has played since he was 4 years old. We only do baseball, though my brother, a two-time super bowl winner for the 49ers is one of the top football instructors in the nation Scope of MJBL activities today (number of cities, participants, and programs offered): In Texas, we have Houston starting up, San Antonio and Dallas as part of the MJBL family. Right now most activity is in Dallas, and we have 21 teams under our umbrella and approximately 230 players. When does your baseball program start, end? We are a year-round program, so baseball never ends. The spring season begins with practice in January and runs through the end of May. How is your MJBL program financed? We finance our program through registration fees primarily, with donations and fundraisers rounding out the rest of funds raised. Why do you think MJBL is unique and important in the black community? My attraction to MJBL is that it is as unique as black people are. We tend to create something out of nothing; under the gaze of the Lord's watchful eye. Dr. Forrester took lemons and made lemonade when he created this wonderful organization. That’s what we do as a people on a daily basis. Favorite Major League Baseball team: Growing up it was the Baltimore Orioles. Currently, it is the Texas Rangers. Favorite baseball player: I like the consistency of Ishiro. I like the pressure that Granderson is under going from Detroit to the Big Apple and how he’s turned it up some notches. The person who influenced me the most: My dad is my main man – humble means, but big dreams. He believes in getting out there and getting it. He taught all of his boys how to be men.

What is your long term goal for MJBL? To be self sufficient and have sustained greatness in the eyes of its participants. The ideal end game for our participants is the path of collegiate baseball and beyond.

What were your favorite subjects in school? I dug English. I was a spelling bee champion.