EDITORIAL : IT'S SPRING - AT LAST.

BASEBALL returns to Los Angeles today, with the Dodgers opening their hoped-for drive for the National League pennant against the Philadelphia Phillies. Spring, notwithstanding what the calendar has been saying for the past 10 days or so, finally has arrived.

The beginning of the baseball season is always an occasion. This one is special for two reasons.

First, the major leagues are observing the debut 50 years ago of the late Jackie Robinson, the four-sports star from Pasadena and UCLA who broke the color line in baseball. Robinson was a great player. But more than that, he helped make baseball a better game - and the United States a better place.

Second, interleague play begins. The idea is to attract more fans to the park by bringing in some fresh faces. We hope it works. But, frankly, we wonder how many New York Mets fans are itching to see the Detroit Tigers - and vice versa.