Wilberforce, Ohio- With help from the Cincinnati Reds, Wilberforce University announced its historic baseball program will return after a nearly 80-year absence.

The return of the program will begin in the fall of 2022 allowing Wilberforce athletes to prepare for the spring 2023 season.

The Reds Community Fund will be partnering with the university to support the launch of the program, which will eventually compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

"To see this day come to fruition is just amazing," Wilberforce Athletic Director Derek Williams said.