UCLA pitcher Angel Cervantes’ secret weapon: Jerry the Dinosaur

UCLA Pitcher Gains Attention with Unique Pre-Game Ritual

The UCLA baseball team’s standout, pitcher Angel Cervantes, has recently garnered attention—not just for his skills on the mound, but for an unusual companion. It seems he struggles with hitting, yet it’s not a concern for him, and, honestly, a line drive doesn’t faze him much.

This budding fame comes in conjunction with the support of a toy dinosaur named Jerry, which resides in Cervantes’ back pocket during games. This little triceratops, just about 1.5 inches long, has become something of a good luck charm for the freshman. Cervantes pitched five shutout innings in last weekend’s Big Ten Tournament final, and Jerry’s presence was noted on social media by both Major League Baseball and ESPN.

“This may be the healthiest thing we’ve ever seen,” the MLB account tweeted, adorned with a joyful emoji.

As UCLA prepares for the NCAA Tournament this weekend at Jackie Robinson Stadium, Jerry is sure to be the talk of the town and a focal point during the Bruins’ opening game against St. Mary’s on Friday.

“I never expected a small dinosaur to gain so much attention just for being on the mound,” Cervantes admitted, reflecting on the surge in fascination.

Fans at the stadium will likely be eager to see Jerry every time Cervantes takes the field. With ace Logan Redman sidelined for a bit due to an arm strain, it’s almost guaranteed Cervantes will play in the regional tournament against teams like Virginia Tech and Caltech.

Having debuted in high school at Angel Stadium, Jerry has become as vital to Cervantes’ game as any pitch. “He’s a big part of my plans,” Cervantes shared. “He just helps calm me down.”

Interestingly, Jerry plays a role in Cervantes’ routine for managing pre-game pressure. He places his hand on his hat, focuses his gaze on Jerry, and takes deep breaths when he feels the moment weighing down on him, especially when he’s facing a challenging count.

“Whenever I sense the moment might be getting too big, I just slow down,” said Cervantes, who boasts a solid 4-1 record and a 3.86 ERA in his games this season.

Initially drafted by the Pirates in 2025 but choosing college over the big leagues, Cervantes has rapidly evolved into a key player for UCLA.

His journey with Jerry began in a photography class last spring, where a simple assignment—taking a photo of a dinosaur—sparked his interest. He asked to keep the toy, naming it after one of his favorite cartoons, “Tom and Jerry.”

This little piece of plastic now stands alongside traditional baseball superstitions, although Cervantes is aware that using it might seem a touch “childish.” Nevertheless, he has no inclination to give it up.

Even his coach, Jon Savage, appreciates this youthful quirk: “When you think about it, you can’t help but chuckle—it kind of lightens the mood, and it shows how much he enjoys what he’s doing.”

Fans have voiced strong opinions about Jerry’s presence on the mound—some claiming riots would ensue if he were removed. It appears even umpires have embraced the little guy, as Cervantes recounted a friendly equipment inspection that went smoothly.