Jackie Robinson Remembered at UCLA
This week, UCLA’s home stadium, named after Jackie Robinson, will prominently feature his spirit and iconic jersey number.
In honor of the legendary player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier, all Bruins athletes will don special No. 42 jerseys.
The cream-colored jerseys with dark blue lettering were revealed on campus Monday. During the unveiling ceremony, a descendant of Robinson removed the covering from a mannequin displaying the jersey.
“It’s a retro jersey, it’s classic,” stated Sonya Pankey, Robinson’s eldest daughter. “I really like the weight of it. It feels modern. We want the brand to reflect that. We’re thrilled since winning teams will be wearing it.”
Pankey is set to throw the first pitch Tuesday evening at Jackie Robinson Stadium, coinciding with a special ceremony before the first-place UCLA team plays against UC Santa Barbara.
The Bruins, boasting a record of 33-2, are currently on a 27-game winning streak—setting a record for the program and the nation. They will wear the special jerseys again for the third weekend game against Minnesota.
“I think it’s cool,” said second baseman Phoenix Cole. “There’s a lot of diversity on the team, and everyone will wear the same number.”
UCLA, in collaboration with Nike, is reintroducing the special Robinson jersey after a decade absence. Pankey, who received a jersey with his name on it during the event, shared how her grandfather’s influence extended beyond sports—after playing baseball, basketball, football, and track at UCLA, he became a change-maker.
Robinson shattered the color barrier in baseball on April 15, 1947, as a player for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and later became a champion for the civil rights movement. The anniversary will be recognized throughout Major League Baseball on Wednesday, coinciding with Jackie Robinson Day.
“Jackie Robinson was a true visionary, a champion of social justice, an agent of progressive change, and so much more than just a jersey number,” Pankey remarked. “He blazed trails using his platform to confront injustice, motivate change, and create opportunities for future generations.”
This week, as part of Jackie Robinson promotions, UCLA will offer $1 hot dogs to the first 142 fans on Friday. The first 300 attendees on Saturday will receive a Robinson Legacy Bat, and the first 142 fans on Sunday will get a Robinson Prize voucher, along with various raffle prizes.
“The story doesn’t end here,” Pankey conveyed to the UCLA players during the jersey unveiling. “You all represent the future, and I hope you let his story inspire your journeys. To all the Bruins, I wish you immense success this season. Wear your jerseys with pride and aim to create your own legacy that opens doors for others.”
