Dodgers veteran Chase Utley starred collegiately for the Bruins before his prolific MLB career. Ahead of UCLA Night at Dodger Stadium, the beloved infielder reflected on college memories and what his time on campus means to him.
UCLA Night will be held at Dodger Stadium on Friday, May 11, as the Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds.
Per Dodgers.com:
UCLA students, faculty, alumni, and fans are invited to wear their blue and gold to the game against the Cincinnati Reds. More pregame details to come!
This special event ticket package includes your ticket to the game and an exclusive co-branded UCLA Dodgers item. Stay after the game to enjoy Friday Night Fireworks!
Pregame Festivities:
- UCLA Spirit Squad will be on-hand greeting fans at the gates and posing for photos
- On-field recognition of PAC-12 & 2018 National Champions - UCLA Gymnastics Team
- Drew Drysdale will be singing the National Anthem- UCLA student and daughter of Dodger legend Don Drysdale
Check out below for some of Utley's comments on UCLA Night at Dodger Stadium, his Bruin memories and more.
On the decision to attend UCLA after being drafted by the Dodgers out of high school:
"I grew up in Long Beach. The opportunity to play at UCLA was a dream come true, but also being drafted by the Dodgers, a team I grew up a fan of, was again a dream come true. I had a difficult decision to make. The way I looked at it at the time, I probably couldn't go wrong either way. I really wanted to go to college and have the college experience, especially in my college years. I thought baseball was meant to be, and that I'd have an opportunity to play beyond college. I was happy about my decision. I made a lot of great friendships at UCLA, and obviously furthered my education and played for some great coaches. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out."
On coming back home late in his career:
"Growing up there, being a Dodgers fan, going to UCLA. It's a great place to live. Playing at Dodger Stadium, it's really a special place. And having the opportunity to win. The Dodgers have a great organization. It was an easy decision as far as going back and living in Southern California, and playing for one of the best teams in baseball."
On sharing UCLA memories with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts:
"We're obviously proud that we wore that uniform and represent the school. There's been a lot of really good athletes, not just baseball players, that had a good time at UCLA. We reflect on it a little bit, playing for Gary Adams, playing at Jackie Robinson Stadium, and some of the cold nights we had there. I know it's Southern California and people think the weather is perfect all the time, but for some reason it got a little colder at Jackie Robinson Stadium. All the talks we have [about UCLA] are very positive."
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