On April 17th in sports history, one significant event took place in 1976 during a Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs baseball game at Dodger Stadium. In the fourth inning, two protesters, William Thomas and his 11-year-old son, ran onto the field and attempted to burn an American flag in protest of the United States' bicentennial celebrations.
As the protesters poured lighter fluid on the flag, Cubs outfielder Rick Monday, who was stationed in center field, noticed the commotion. Without hesitation, Monday sprinted towards the would-be flag burners, snatched the flag away from them before they could set it ablaze, and continued running with it to safety. The crowd erupted in cheers as Monday handed the flag to stadium security.
Monday, who had served in the Marine Corps Reserves for six years, later said, "If you're going to burn the flag, don't do it around me. I've been to too many veterans' hospitals and seen too many broken bodies of guys who tried to protect it."
The incident became known as "Rick Monday Saves the American Flag," and it remains a beloved moment in baseball history. Monday's quick thinking and patriotic act earned him widespread praise and admiration from fans and fellow players alike. The Dodgers went on to win the game 5-4 in extra innings, but it was Monday's heroics off the field that stole the headlines.
In the years since, the flag Monday rescued has been displayed at the Baseball Hall of Fame, the National Marine Corps Museum, and even flown over the United States Capitol. Monday's act of patriotism and bravery continues to be celebrated as a shining example of the American spirit in sports.
