Danz Family: Rick Monday Saves the American Flag

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Rick Monday Saves the American Flag

My interest in Major League Baseball peaked when I was around 9 years old. While I probably couldn't name a dozen major leaguers today, I can still tell you the entire lineup for the 1974 and 1975 Chicago Cubs. One player in particular, centerfielder Rick Monday, will forever be in my memory. It was on this day, thirty years ago, during our nation's bicentennial, during an untelevised day game in Los Angeles against the Dodgers that two pieces of human debris took the field and attempted to burn the American flag…but they hadn't counted on Rick Monday.

In his own words:

In between the top and bottom of the fourth inning, I was just getting loose in the outfield, throwing the ball back and forth. Jose Cardenal was in left field and I was in center. I don't know if I heard the crowd first or saw the guys first, but two people ran on the field. After a number of years of playing, when someone comes on the field, you don't know what's going to happen. Is it because they had too much to drink? Is it because they're trying to win a bet? Is it because they don't like you or do they have a message that they're trying to present?
When these two guys ran on the field, something wasn't right. And it wasn't right from the standpoint that one of them had something cradled under his arm. It turned out to be an American flag. They came from the left-field corner, went past Cardenal to shallow left-center field.

That's when I saw the flag. They unfurled it as if it was a picnic blanket. They knelt beside it, not to pay homage but to harm it as one of the guys was pulling out of his pocket somewhere a big can of lighter fluid. He began to douse it.

What they were doing was wrong then, in 1976. In my mind, it's wrong now, in 2006. It's the way I was raised. My thoughts were reinforced with my six years in the Marine Corp Reserves. It was also reinforced by a lot of friends who lost their lives protecting the rights and freedoms that flag represented.

So I started to run after them. To this day, I couldn't tell you what was running through my mind except I was mad, I was angry and it was wrong for a lot of reasons.

Then the wind blew the first match out. There was hardly ever any wind at Dodger Stadium. The second match was lit, just as I got there. I did think that if I could bowl them over, they can't do what they're trying to do.

I saw them go and put the match down to the flag. It's soaked in lighter fluid at this time. Well, they can't light it if they don't have it. So I just scooped it up.

After the guys left, there was a buzz in the stands, people being aghast with what had taken place. Without being prompted, and I don't know where it started, but people began to sing 'God Bless America.' When I reflect back upon it now, I still get goose bumps.

He's not the only one who still gets goose bumps. As if being the centerfielder for Chicago Cubs didn't make someone a big enough hero to a ten year old suburban Chicago kid…saving the American flag from two asshats forever put Monday in a whole new category and is one of the 100 Classic Moments in the History of the Game as determined by the Baseball Hall of Fame.

That same season, Monday hit a career-high 32 non-steroid home runs before the Cubs traded him and reliever Mike Garman to the Dodgers for outfielder Bill Buckner and shortstop Ivan DeJesus. Monday went on to win three pennants with the Dodgers, one as the result of Monday's ninth-inning home run in the deciding game of the 1981 NL Championship Series at Montreal before beating the Yankees in the World Series. Monday is also famous for being the first player chosen in the very first draft in 1965 after leading Arizona State to a College World Series title. He was a two-time All-Star with impressive numbers during his 19 major league seasons. But, Rick Monday will always be most remembered for what he did one Sunday afternoon thirty years ago today.

The famous photograph, taken by James Rourke, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize but, of course didn't win because it wasn't at all anti-American…maybe if they had succeeded in burning the flag. A Super8 16mm video of the incident taken by a fan surfaced in 1984, ~~but hasn't made it to the internet yet~~ [see update below]. The whole article along with more photographs by Rourke and the play-by-play call made by Vin Scully on the radio that day is available at MLB.com.

[Update I:] In honor of the 30th anniversary of Rick Monday saving the American flag, the Los Angeles Dodgers recognized Rick Monday on Sunday, April 23 with a video tribute. If this link ever stops working, please let me know. I have a downloadable version but didn't want to post it for bandwidth purposes. However, if you click on the picture you can see just the portion of the video where Rick Monday saves the American Flag.

[Update II:] See Patriot Guard Riders Bring Rick Monday Flag Through Oklahoma for more information and pictures of the actual flag that Rick Monday saved!

Posted by Don

105 Comments

#1
Robert Adamczak said on May 24, 2006:

Mr. Monday, I just saw the video of you saving our flag.

As a Vietnam veteran - I say God Bless You !
#2
Diana said on May 26, 2006:

God Bless the USA. God Bless our Troops and God Bless Rick Monday. Great Play Mr. Monday. To me it was the GREATEST moment in American League Baseball. Well done Sir!
#3
Chuck L. Oskvarek said on May 26, 2006:

Dear Mr. Monday,
I received the film clip via e-mail from a friend, of your best "save" in baseball. You saving the flag is absolutely what baseball is....America. I vividly remember this moment as a young man of 22 years of age in 1976, and I have to say that you instantly became my personal baseball hero. I looked up to you as a proud & great American, not to mention a hell of a baseball player! I'm not ashamed to say that I get goose bumps every single time that I play the clip!
God Bless you, Rick & God Bless America!
With Respect,
Chuck L. Oskvarek
#4
Jerry Wipf said on May 28, 2006:

I was at a company function today and the trainer of the function played the incredible video of Mr. Monday saving the American Flag.

Before he introduced the video he asked if anyone liked baseball. We all said yes and he replied with this. "I am about to show you the greatest play in Baseball History" Of course the first thought that ran through my mind was. "That is impossible. There are so many great plays that there is no one GREATEST Play.. I changed my mind quickly when I actually saw that play...

WOW. Simply amazing.

Thank You Sir For That Great Heroic Play and God Bless You.
Jerry Wipf
Billings, Montana
#5
Gary said on May 29, 2006:

Anyone know where or if they sell a copy of this picture?
#6
Doug Bruton said on May 29, 2006:

What a very proud moment in American history and for baseball. My Father Sgt Maj H.C. Bruton USMC Retired fought in two wars for our flag and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. He would have been very proud and I appreciate Mr. Mondays deed. Thank you Rick....for my Dad his four brothers, my son and myself. I would love to have a copy of that stirring photograph
Doug Bruton
Denison, Texas
#7
State-Rep Marie J. Parente said on May 30, 2006:

The video was sent to my by a neighbor. I was scheduled to deliver three memorial day speeches and included the story about the great flag save. I e-mailed it to eighty five of my friends. God Bless Rick and God Bless the USA! God know we need it. Thanks, Rep. Marie Parente(D) Massachusetts
#8
Karol Warden said on May 30, 2006:

Wife of MLBPA Jon Warden 1968 World Champion Detroit Tigers-- this was awesome!
#9
Jon Warden said on May 31, 2006:

Rick,
As a former MLB player, This is one of the most memorable events in baseball history. Meeting you last November was a real treat for me You are a class guy and I treasure your friendship. Thanks for what you did.

Jon Warden
68 World Champion Detroit Tigers
#10
Clint said on May 31, 2006:

Thank you for sharing this! We need more patrotism these days.
#11
M.L.Rose said on June 1, 2006:

A wonderful memory of a "great play". baseball players are wonderful - and Mr. Monday proved it in spades. Best "play" ever!!!
#12
Lisa Morgan said on June 1, 2006:

I was about 10 when this happened. Just saw it today for the first time (30 years later). Wow....am I proud to be an American, Mr. Monday.
#13
LCDR M. Fisher said on June 2, 2006:

OIF/OEF Vet helo pilot and still proudly serving. Thank you Rick Monday.
#14
John Wolf, BM2, BMU-!, U.S.Navy said on June 2, 2006:

I was 19 when it happened. Doesn't it mean so much more today? Should be a law against it. I was raised outside of Chicago and am, to this day, still a Cubbies fan. To hell with Barry Bonds. Rick Monday's my hero.
#15
1SG (ret) Mcmahon said on June 2, 2006:

Inspirational. It requuires character to act appropriately without having the time to think of a response. Your action speaks volumes. Thank you sir!
#16
Jerry Feldner said on June 3, 2006:

It was a pretty great play and I had forgotten it until now. I was in LA at the time and, even though I didn't go to the game, I remember the press going nuts about it. They played it repeatedly on TV for days afterwards. It was very inspiring and I remember the discussions we had in my Reserve Unit for several meetings thereafter.
Jerry Feldner, MAJ, USA (Retd) (Viet Nam, 67-68)
#17
Dan Kirsch said on June 3, 2006:

SemperFi Rick. No red blooded Marine would let two hippies burn the American flag. God bless America, you and your family.
#18
Ellen Hill said on June 4, 2006:

Rick Monday, God Bless You. Thank you, for saving our flag in 1976 but also thanks to everyone who have brought it to our attention in 2006. I have four grandsons that are very active in Baseball and I want them to feel the patrotism that you showed by saving the flag. I miss hearing the prayers before the games, all of the American prodicall we used to have.

Again, God Bless you. Ellen Hill June 4, 2006
#19
Mike said on June 4, 2006:

This video clip is very inspirational. I am in the military currently anda would like to use this clip in a presentation or 2. Is there a way I can get a downloaded copy to save on my laptop? Thank you.
#20
Tracy said on June 5, 2006:

Thank you, Mr. Monday and may God Bless you always.
#21
Ken Foy said on June 6, 2006:

A Hall of Fame Moment!

Thank You Mr. Monday!
#22
Russ Detherage said on June 7, 2006:

Mr. Monday,

I grew up a baseball fan and when I turned 18 I joined the Air Force and spent 20 year defending the flag you defended that day. Thank you for serving our country and protecting our symbol of freedom. God Bless!
#23
Anthony Arnone said on June 7, 2006:

God Bless You Rick. You are a HERO. Does anyone know what happened to the two suspects?
#24
Shelley Dudley said on June 7, 2006:

I was born a Dodger fan and remember watching the game the day this happened. Even being only 14 years old at the time, it brought tears to my eyes. After serving in the Air Force for five years and seeing the replay of this incident once again, you were and always will be an American hero.
#25
Gregory Robinson said on June 8, 2006:

Hi! That video and commentary are chilling. I grew up during that time and although I was having some difficulty with understanding why we had been in Vietnam I never lost my allegience to my country. I hope that you might see fit to send me the complete video but if not I'll understand. Thanks and God bless!
#26
Chuck Creel said on June 10, 2006:

Mr Monay. Thank you for your selfless contribution to America and Baseball. With all of the fighting, drug use, and off sport violence by the players these days, young people sure could use more people like you in sports. Young people seem to take sports figures on as roll models. You would be the perfect roll model and hero. Thank you
#27
Rick Travers said on June 13, 2006:

Devildog Semper Fi! I can't believe I've never seen this before. I'm sending this out to all my buddies everywhere. Can some one tell me how I can get a copy of the picture Mr. Monday was presented with? I would love to have it hanging on my wall at work. Mr. Monday your Marine instincts served you and our country well. Thank You from the bottom of this ole jarhead's heart!
#28
Lone_Hawk said on June 15, 2006:

Mr. Monday,

I met you yesterday for the first time at Arlington National Cemetery. As you stepped up behind me with your wife, I wondered, “who was this well dressed gentleman and his wife. What were they doing joining us?” I wish I had known before you came down the line to shake our hands. Because then I could have properly welcomed you as a member of the Patriot Guard Riders. Thank you for your honorable actions back in 1976. Thank you for your service to this great nation. But more than that, thank you for joining us in honoring Sgt. Christopher M. Erberich.
#29
Carl Sundstrom said on June 15, 2006:

Thank you, Rick Monday! America needed what you did. The nation was wallowing in collective self-doubt, and was like me, (recently discharged from the Air Force) sick of anti-Americanism, especially by so-called "Americans," like the two who tried to burn that flag.

The crowd that day demonstrated how much we were looking for the hope and leadership Tommy Lasorda, Vin Scully and especially YOU showed. If you could do that, we all could be heros!

In this respect, your dash into hisotry that day ranks with the US Olympic Hockey team's victory over the Soviets in 1980.

It amazes me that the incident involved my two favorite teams, in my favorite sport, and that I missed it!

Thanks again, Rick, albeit 30 years late.
#30
Rory O'leary said on June 16, 2006:

I have shared this and the video with many friends and family. Thank you for sharing it with us and the feedback has been wonderful with many great comment and thanks to Rick Monday. Many have asked what were the names and what became of the two maggots who tried to set fire to the flag. It would be nice to share the wonderful comments with them and to seem it they had the courage to turn their lives around.
#31
Herb Sauter said on June 20, 2006:

What you did in 1975 was one of the important sparks rekindling the patriotism that put this country back on track. Today there are a nation with TENS of millions in need of a few sparks. Seeing this video again does it for me! Let's keep this clip circulating. Its age means nothing: it's all about an American quality that cannot be alowed to die.
#32
BEVERLY BEITLER said on June 21, 2006:

Warm thanks for your true patriotic act some 30 years ago. Especially, now with the awful news about the two soldiers who were tortured and killed in Iraq fighting for that same treasured flag. I'm certain these brave men would agree and their tormented families know this whole country is grateful for their supreme sacrifice. Another reminder of how our love of country goes so deep.
#33
Gabriela Miranda said on June 21, 2006:

Mr. Monday,
Today I met your wife along with the Patriotic Guard Riders who are escorting her to Dodgers stadium carrying the very flag that you saved 30yrs ago. She pulled it out of the protective cover and let me touch it with my bare hands. I was overwhelmed by her gesture and will cherish this day for the rest of my life. God Bless you and your family for your acts of patriotism.

SGT Miranda
7-101st GSAB
101st ABN DIV (AASLT)
#34
Micky Stanfield said on June 22, 2006:

As the widow of a Naval Officer who served in three wars (WW2, Korea, Vietnam), I applaud you Mr. Monday for your actions in 1976. I am sure that my husband was very proud of you on that day. Thank you for being a good citizen as well as a great baseball player.
#35
Barbara Orsini said on June 22, 2006:

Dear Mr. Monday,

I'm choked up with tears in my eyes. I can't tell you how proud I am to be an American! Thank you and God Bless you!

Barbara Orsini
#36
Mike Barbree said on June 22, 2006:

Mr. Monday
I had the honor and privilege to escort your wife and the flags across the Great State of Tennessee. Thank you for the phone conversation. Your act in 1976 has 30 years later started a new ground swell of patriotism. Thank you for giving the Patriot Guard Riders the Honorable Mission of transporting The Flags your precious wife Barbralee and James.
God Bless America and the Military defending us.
Mike Barbree
Tennessee PGR
#37
Nelson said on June 23, 2006:

Thank-you Rick Monday! Well done sir. I would defend the rights of the cretins who tried to burn it, because that is one of the things America is all about, BUT I decry the act itself. God bless you and our great country. Amen.
#38
Against The Wind said on June 23, 2006:

I would like to say I had the honor in escorting this flag and a flag from the 101st airborne in Iraq that was sent to the Monday's as a tribute to Mr. Monday's Patriotism. As member of the Patriot Guard Riders I wish to express my sincere admiration to Barbarlee Monday for her United States tour with the these flags. For those that do not know these are being escorted "pony express" style by the Patriot Guard Riders across the United States. It is done with the upmost respect and honor. Here's to our Service Men and Women! As a friend of mine uses as his signature line. " IF YOU CAN"T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, FEEL FREE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM".
#39
Brian Nycum said on June 26, 2006:

may god bless you .
#40
Debra said on June 26, 2006:

Thank you for what you did. You are truely a great American!

Please tell me I can get a poster of that great shot of you saving our great flag. I would love to put that up in my home.
#41
gil said on June 27, 2006:

just so happens that happened on my 24th birthday
what a present!
#42
Sonja & Gene Doles said on June 27, 2006:

Gene and I thank Barbaralee Monday, James her brother and the Patriot Guard Riders for the visit on Sunday June 25th 2006 in Chelsea, Oklahoma honoring the memory of SSG John G Doles our son who died in Afghanistan on September 29, 2005. It was a very nice visit and will always remember the flag we got to hold and the meaning it has.
Thank You
#43
Don said on June 27, 2006:

Mr. and Mrs. Doles:

I know the Mondays and the Patriot Guard Riders would agree, all the thanks goes to you and your family for the sacrifice you have made for our country and for freedom everywhere.

God bless you and your family.
#44
Mark Kreisher said on June 28, 2006:

I am a soldier recovering at Walter Reed Medical Center I have seen a copy of a poster commemerating the 30th anniversery of Rick Monday saving the flag and would like to have a copy of it. Could someone e-mail at
mark.kreisher@us. army.mil
if they know how I can get a copy. Many Thanks
#45
Don said on