The Name Of The Game

In a lot of ways, Stu Gordon is the caretaker of the Cal baseball program.

Soon, members of the Cal baseball community will be reminded of that every time they enter the Golden Bears' home facility.

Gordon recently made a $2 million gift to Cal baseball, the latest in a long line of philanthropic support for the program. With his most recent gift, Cal's baseball stadium will soon be named after him.

Gordon's $2 million dollar gift will fund an endowment in support of Cal baseball. It comes on top of a $1.1 million estate gift he committed to make in 2019, and another $2 million dollar commitment to the program in 2018

"We are thrilled about this incredible gift for Cal baseball," Cal Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton said. "Stu and Florianne have always been tremendous supporters of the Cal baseball program, and to have Stu's name on this facility is a perfect way to celebrate his love and dedication to the program. We are proud that future generations of Golden Bears will come to Cal to play in Stu's namesake."

Gordon, who pitched for the Bears during the early 1960s, has donated $6.3 million to the Cal baseball program over the years. His biggest impact arguably came in 2011 when he spearheaded the effort to reinstate the program after it had been a candidate to be eliminated because of budgetary constraints. Gordon donated $550,000 of his own money but also rallied a fundraising effort that ultimately amassed over $9 million.

"I had a great experience at Cal, and I've always wanted to give back because of that wonderful experience," Gordon said. "It was so life-changing for me, that if I can do something to give back, I really got into it."

Gordon has helped with other upgrades to Cal's baseball facility over the years, including a donation that directly led to the installation of lights and a state-of-the-art scoreboard in 2013.

"Stu Gordon's impact on the Cal baseball program cannot be overstated, and we are truly thankful for all that he has done for past, current and future Golden Bears," Cal head coach Mike Neu said. "He carries a great understanding of our program's vision and mission to provide our student-athletes with what they need to succeed in the classroom, the community and in competition. Stu's latest gift is yet another example of the outstanding legacy he has built within our baseball program and our athletics department."

Gordon's support of Cal Athletics goes well beyond the baseball program. He has donated $8.5 million to the department overall and nearly $10 million to the University. Gordon received the Cal Athletics Hall of Fame service award in 2012.

"I never would have been able to go to Cal without my scholarship," Gordon said. "It means a lot to me because I've put my heart and soul into this baseball program."