The group IIa metal containing catalyst system of this invention can be utilized to synthesize rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure by solution polymerization. Such rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure content, such as polybutadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, can be utilized in tire tread rubbers that exhibit improved wear and tear characteristics. This invention more specifically reveals a catalyst system which is comprised of (a) an organolithium compound, including organolithium functionalized compounds, (b) a group IIa metal salt selected from the group consisting of group IIa metal salts of di(alkylene glycol)alkylethers and group IIa metal salts of tri(alkylene glycol) alkylethers, and (c) an organoaluminum compound, and optionally an organomagnesium compound. The subject invention further discloses a process for synthesizing rubbery polymers having a high trans microstructure by a process that comprises polymerizing a conjugated diolefin monomer in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst system that is comprised of (a) an organolithium compound, (b) a group IIa metal salt selected from the group consisting of group IIa metal salts of amino glycols and group IIa metal salts of glycol ethers, and (c) an organoaluminum compound.