In Memoriam: Raymond Arrington

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The UCLA Alumni community joins the Arrington family in mourning the loss of Raymond Arrington, a proud Bruin and a beloved husband, father and public servant, who passed away on April 28.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on November 25, 1944, Arrington graduated from Belmont High School in 1962 and went on to earn his associate of arts degree from Los Angeles City College in 1965. He continued his academic and athletic journey at UCLA, where he studied sociology and played center field for the Baseball team.

Arrington’s contributions to UCLA Baseball were extraordinary. In 1965, he posted a .348 batting average — the second highest on the team — along with seven home runs, 48 RBIs, and nine stolen bases as the leadoff batter. He followed that with a stellar 1966 season, leading the team with a .324 average, five home runs, 35 RBIs, 102 total bases, and 13 stolen bases. That same year, he was named to the All-World Tournament Team as center fielder, competing against squads from the United States, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. Known for his speed, leadership and elite defensive play, Arrington is remembered as one of UCLA’s all-time greats in the outfield. In recognition of his outstanding performance and legacy, he was inducted into the UCLA Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.

After his time at UCLA, Arrington went on to serve his community with distinction as a deputy sheriff for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department from 1969 until his retirement in 2000. A graduate of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Academy, he spent over three decades committed to public safety and mentorship.

Arrington is survived by his two sons, Raymond Eric and Michael Eugene, and grandchildren Monica, Matthew and Nicholas. His legacy lives on through his family, including his granddaughter Saida Wiltz, who proudly continues the Bruin tradition as a student at the UCLA School of Medicine.

Raymond Arrington’s life was defined by excellence, service and love. His memory will forever remain a part of the Bruin family.