Jackie Robinson is far more famous for integrating Major League Baseball than being an NCAA student-athlete.

But one look at his history at University of California, Los Angeles, and it is easy to see where the foundation for his future success was established.

Robinson was the first Bruin to letter in four sports (football, basketball, track and field, and baseball). He not only participated in each sport; he excelled.

In 1939 and 1940, Robinson led the NCAA in punt return yardage. He also led UCLA in rushing and passing in 1940 and garnered all-America status.

In basketball, he led the Pacific Coast Conference (precursor to the Pacific-10) in scoring in 1940 and 1941.

Robinson had to leave UCLA early due to financial reasons. He later enrolled in the Army and became an officer, but his military career was cut short after he was court-martialed for standing up against racial discrimination.

Robinson was honorably discharged and then began a career playing in the Negro Baseball League until Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey chose him as the right person to break baseball’s color barrier in 1947.

He debuted on April 15 of that year and went on to win National League Rookie of the Year honors. His No. 42 is the only number to be retired throughout all of baseball, and Jackie Robinson Day is celebrated each April 15.

After retiring from baseball, Robinson remained dedicated to civil-rights issues.

One of Robinson’s most memorable quotes is posted on a Web site honoring his memory. It says, "The right of every American to first-class citizenship is the most important issue of our time."

In his book, "What I learned from Jackie Robinson," former teammate Carl Erskine wrote, "I learned how to be a better player and a better man from Jackie. I learned the importance of good friendship. I learned the importance of speaking one’s mind even in the face of criticism."

That epitomizes what those around Jackie Robinson thought of him.