DALLAS -- Prior to the start of the annual Texas Rangers awards banquet Friday, slugger Prince Fielder introduced a new anti-bullying program called Going to Bat against Bullying.

Fielder said he was bullied as a kid and talked to his mother about handling such adversity.

"It's not a good situation," said Fielder, adding that his own life experiences -- as well of those of his own children -- informed his participation in the initiative.

When asked how somebody was able to bully the robust Fielder as a child, he replied, "Not one [person] at a time. Fat jokes, all the usual stuff."

The program starts online Monday and will become available for children in grades 4 through 8 in Texas schools. Children can develop ways to create an anti-bullying atmosphere in school and in their communities.

"Bullying is a major problem in our society and schools today," Fielder said. "And my hope is Going to Bat against Bullying can help make a difference."