Athletics at the University of California, Davis, has received its largest contribution to date with a $500,000 gift from an alumnus athlete and his wife, James and Ann Dobbins. The donation will fund the completion of a campus baseball stadium, to be named the James M. and Ann Dobbins Baseball Complex, and will establish the first major endowment fund in athletics at UC Davis. "This enormously generous gift from James and Ann Dobbins makes it possible to finish our baseball stadium," said Athletic Director Greg Warzecka. "Many volunteers have contributed to this project, and now their dream will finally come true." He also said that the endowment portion of the gift was a significant start on the program's efforts to raise major gifts. In 1937, Dobbins was selected by basketball coach George Stromgren as one of his all-star, all-time basketball players. The El Rodeo yearbook of the same year said Dobbins was a "...flashy forward [who] proved to be the Mustang high point man at the end of the season as well as playing a fast floor game." Dobbins was also an outstanding baseball pitcher and outfielder. He was elected captain of the baseball team in 1938. "UC Davis is a fine institution. It pleases Ann and me to give back something for the marvelous education I received and the wonderful life I enjoyed while I was there," said Mr. Dobbins. Most of the Dobbins' contribution will be used to complete the baseball stadium. Work on the field and 3,000 permanent seats has been done with volunteer time, materials and funds. The Dobbins' gift will fund the construction of clubhouse and office facilities, concessions, restroom facilities and a press box. "I am always moved by alumni who give back to their alma mater with such generosity as the Dobbinses," said Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. "Their gift will make the baseball stadium one of the finest athletic facilities on campus." Home of Aggie baseball since 1987 and host to Babe Ruth Baseball and various adult leagues, the stadium has a playing surface that is one of the best in Northern California. Its drainage system allows the Aggies to play when many other teams in the area are forced to postpone games. The Dobbinses reside in Rancho Santa Fe. Mr. Dobbins is the former chairman of the board and co-owner of Crestwood Hospitals Inc., which operates 24 convalescent and health-care hospitals and retirement residence homes in Northern and Central California. Their son, James, is also an alumnus of UC Davis.