UCLA has announced plans to upgrade Jackie Robinson Stadium at the Gifford Sports Complex, homes to Bruins Baseball and recreational space for Veterans and their families on the Veteran Affairs West L.A. campus. The new state-of-the-art practice field will be named The Branca Family Field, after Brooklyn Dodger legend Ralph Branca, the first to player to embrace Jackie Robinson in MLB, and uncle to biz mogul, Ziffren Brittenham partner and graduate of UCLA School of Law, John Branca.

On Opening Day in 1947—which was also Robinson's major league debut—Branca lined up on the field beside Robinson, while other players refused. Branca became one of Robinson's best friends and biggest supporters. John Branca also serves on the board of directors for the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The Branca Family Field is being made possible by a $1m commitment from John Branca, who stated:

"Jackie Robinson and my uncle, Ralph Branca, were Brooklyn Dodgers teammates and lifelong friends. Ralph was in awe of Jackie’s courage and determination that historic day on April 15, 1947 when Jackie shattered MLB’s color barrier, because he knew what was taking place was so much bigger than the game itself and would resonate for generations. Ralph was honored to stand with Jackie. He was further inspired by Jackie’s commitment to social change and economic equality, and Ralph did his part in giving to others, leading the Baseball Assistance Team to raise money for retired and indigent players. As Jackie once said, 'a life is insignificant except for the impact it has on others.' On behalf of the Branca family, I am honored to welcome the addition of Branca Family Field to UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium.”

New improvements are coming to the Gifford Sports Complex at Jackie Robinson Stadium, including the construction of a state-of-the-art baseball practice infield, to be known as Branca Family Field.

âž¡ï¸: https://t.co/lzUBc4gDFC #GoBruins pic.twitter.com/1kmCN6QkI1
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) February 10, 2021