The UCLA baseball team revealed its new Jack and Rhodine Gifford Hitting Facility on Saturday. The hitting facility marks the latest in a series of renovations made to Jackie Robinson Stadium.
Coach John Savage was thrilled with the state-of-the-art practice facility dedicated to the late Jack Gifford. Construction on the hitting facility began two months ago and features artificial turf, five hitting cages with retractable netting, a tee area, and enough space to conduct fielding drills.
Savage, athletic director Dan Guerrero and former head coach Gary Adams, among others, spoke during the dedication ceremony. Rhodine Gifford and her three daughters capped the day with a cutting of the ribbon.
Current major leaguers Garrett Atkins, an infielder with the Colorado Rockies, and pitcher Casey Janssen of the Toronto Blue Jays, were amongst the alumni present. A crop of young alums from last year’s team were also in attendance, including Texas Rangers pitching prospect Tim Murphy, San Francisco Giants infield prospect Brandon Crawford, Arizona Diamondbacks catching prospect Ryan Babineau, and Detroit Tigers infield prospect Alden Carrithers.