RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is stepping up to the plate and giving grade school students the chance to play ball. In collaboration with Major League Baseball (MLB), the Richmond Flying Squirrels and Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL), several elementary schools ha ve already begun their inaugural season. RPS students were also sponsored with uniforms and equipment. The new league is part of the MJBL's program to incorporate the sport with eight schools: Fairfield, Oak Grove, Cardinal, Broad Rock, Fox, Fisher, Lois Harrison Jones and J.L. Francis. “We were fortunate to have the opportunity to introduce them to, the game with clinics during the summer months last and last year in August. Then we had the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association come out two weeks ago for a clinic,” said William Forrester Jr., MJBL executive director. MLB workforce engagement director Tyrone Brooks said the goal is to make sure kids get access to baseball at a young age where they can learn, develop and love the game. “I know for myself, starting at age five, that's where it all started for me, getting that exposure and experience of being around the game and falling in love with the game, and that's what we want kids to get access to,” Brooks said. Broad Rock fourth graders said they’re thrilled to play the sport throughout the season. “My favorite part about playing in the game was running, because when I hit the ball, I just felt like I could run for my goals,” said Jaleeca Morris. “I was excited because when I was there, I thought that we would win and we were excited because we were playing the first game of the season,” said Cristian Portillo. The students have seven more games to play this season. ...read more read less