UCLA Baseball Honors Jackie Robinson With Tribute Uniforms

Jackie Robinson's granddaughter unveils the Bruins' special jerseys ahead of MLB's annual Jackie Robinson Day.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting college baseball players in action, with sharp planes of navy blue, white, and gold colors representing the UCLA Bruins' Jackie Robinson-inspired uniforms.A cubist interpretation of UCLA baseball players honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson through their special tribute uniforms.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA baseball team, currently ranked No. 1 in the country, will wear special uniforms on Tuesday night to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson, the barrier-breaking MLB legend who played four sports at UCLA from 1939 to 1941. The uniform reveal was made even more special by the presence of Robinson's granddaughter, Sonya Pankey Robinson, who addressed the team about her grandfather's story and encouraged them to use it as inspiration to build their own lasting legacies.

Why it matters

Jackie Robinson's time at UCLA was a pivotal part of his barrier-breaking journey, and the school's baseball stadium is named after him. By honoring Robinson with these tribute uniforms, the Bruins are keeping his legacy alive and inspiring the next generation of student-athletes to follow in his footsteps.

The details

The Bruins' special uniforms feature a classic, throwback-style look with a simple white base, navy trim, and the word 'BRUINS' in bold lettering across the chest. The caps will sport an old-school script 'B' logo. Of course, all the jerseys will bear Robinson's retired number, 42.

  • Wednesday, April 15, 2026 marks MLB's annual Jackie Robinson Day.
  • The UCLA baseball team will wear the tribute uniforms on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the day before the league-wide celebration.

The players

Jackie Robinson

A barrier-breaking MLB legend who played four sports at UCLA from 1939 to 1941, including baseball, football, basketball, and track. Robinson's number 42 is retired across Major League Baseball.

Sonya Pankey Robinson

The granddaughter of Jackie Robinson, who unveiled the UCLA baseball team's tribute uniforms and spoke to the players about her grandfather's legacy and the importance of building their own.

UCLA Baseball

The top-ranked college baseball team in the country, currently riding a 27-game winning streak and in striking distance of the NCAA Division I record for most consecutive victories.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“His story doesn't end here. You guys are the future, and I hope you use his story as a guide for your future mission. I hope you wear the jersey with pride and let it inspire you to build your own legacy that opens doors and creates opportunities for those to follow.”

— Sonya Pankey Robinson, Jackie Robinson's Granddaughter

What’s next

The UCLA baseball team will wear the Jackie Robinson tribute uniforms on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as they go for their 28th consecutive win.

The takeaway

By honoring Jackie Robinson's legacy with these special uniforms, the UCLA baseball team is keeping his trailblazing story alive and inspiring the next generation of student-athletes to follow in his footsteps and create their own lasting impact.