Rick Monday Saves the American Flag

What is the greatest play in MLB history? Was it the Willie Mays catch in 1954? Was it the shot heard 'round the world in 1951? Was it Carlton Fisk waving the ball fair in 1975? Was it Hank Aaron passing Ruth in 1974? Was it Kirk Gibson's 1988 home run? Was it Lou Gehrig's speech in 1939? Don Larsen's perfect game in 1956? Was it Bill Mazeroski's walk-off in 1960? Jackie Robinson in 1947? These are some of the greatest moments in MLB history, but since today is July 4, and we are celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and therefore America's independence, I submit to you an act of patriotism to be considered one of the greatest moments in MLB history. 

Famous photo taken after Rick Monday saved the flag

On April 25, 1976, the Cubs were playing the Dodgers in Dodger Stadium. It was a game like any other. But one must remember the era: post Nixon, post Vietnam, and America's Bicentennial. There was a mixture of high patriotism and lack of patriotism. In this hot and cold environment, protests were happening. And on that day, there was one in the outfield of Dodger Stadium.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, William Thomas and his 11 year old son ran onto the field with an American flag. Thomas knelt down in front of it and poured lighter fluid on it. His came over shortly afterward. They tried to light a match, but it was blown out. While this was going on, a Cub outfielder named Rick Monday watched but wasn't sure what was going on. As soon as he saw the lighter fluid, he knew what was happening. He ran from his outfield position to the two protesters. He's been quoted as saying "I wanted to bowl them over, but I just wanted to get that flag out of there." Rick Monday ran in and before the lit match could ignite the flag, he grabbed it off the ground and ran through the field with it. By this point, other players, umpires, and even Tommy Lasorda (at the time 3rd base coach for the Dodgers) ran to stop the protesters. Thomas and his son were both arrested. As soon as Monday saved the flag, the crowd erupted in cheers. When it was Monday's turn to hit the next inning, a message on the screen said "Rick Monday...You made a great play!" In the seats, the crowd began to sing "God Bless America", and he received a standing ovation.

For many people, it was just another day, but for Rick Monday, it was a career day. You won't find his name in hardly any lists of greatest players ever, but if you look for the greatest plays in the MLB's history, you will find this moment, which really isn't a baseball moment. There's no amazing double or triple play, no home runs, no diving play, no blown calls, nothing that is typical of a great play. But what you will find is a great American moment of one man who didn't want to see the American flag destroyed in one of the most American of events. Monday displayed a patriotism that day that every American can look up to.

Rick Monday's 1976 baseball card

As for Rick Monday, he had a career year in 1976, but was traded (oddly enough) to the Dodgers after the season was over. After he retired a few years later, he became a broadcaster for the Dodgers, switching to the Padres for a time, then switching back. In 2008, he was awarded the Peace One Earth medallion by Patricia Kennedy, founder of Stand Up 4 Vets, for his actions that day in April 1976. He still has the flag he saved that day and has been offered millions for it, but he refuses to give it up - he still saves it to this day.

If you want to see the play from that game, click here.