UCLA names athletic complex after Jackie Robinson

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UCLA names athletic complex after Jackie Robinson

UCLA announced it is naming its athletic facilities after Jackie Robinson in honor of the 75th anniversary of his enrollment at the university.

The 22 athletic facilities, including Pauley Pavilion, Spaulding Field, Drake Stadium and the Morgan Center, will be the Jackie Robinson Athletics and Recreation Complex. UCLA’s baseball stadium, one of the facilities in the complex, is already named for Robinson.

Robinson played football, basketball, baseball and competed in track and field at UCLA from 1939 to 1941. He became the first African American to play in the major leagues when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers for the 1947 season.

Robinson’s No. 42,  which he wore with the Dodgers, will be painted on the Rose Bowl field, and Bruins players will wear the number on their helmets for the game against USC on Saturday.

By CHRIS FOSTER

Photo: Jackie Robinson, a four-sport star at UCLA, teamed with Kenny Washington in the Bruins’ 1939 backfield that faced USC in a 0-0 draw. (Los Angeles Times)

 

Source publication: Los Angeles Times