It may very well have been the greatest play in American sports history – and you may have never heard about it.
Not necessarily for athletic ability, or in game drama, but because of what it represented for America.
Forty one years ago today, as protesters dragged an American flag into center field at Dodger Stadium, intent on burning Old Glory in protest, Chicago Cubs center fielder Rick Monday sprang into action.
Via CBS Sports:
On this date in 1976, Cubs outfielder Rick Monday saved an American flag from being burned on the field at Dodger Stadium by two protesters. Monday raced over and grabbed the flag before the duo could light it on fire.
“What they were doing was wrong, and I wanted them off the field,” said Monday to David Davis of VICE Sports. “I did not want them to be able to desecrate an American flag that some of my buddies lost their lives for, representing the rights and freedoms that you and I enjoy.”
Monday served six years in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Watch Monday’s heroics below…
Monday recently blasted quarterback Colin Kaepernick for his refusal to stand for the national Anthem during football games.
“I don’t like it, and I don’t respect it,” Monday explained.
“It is dishonoring the flag and the people who served our country.”
#Cubs Rick Monday made one of the greatest plays in baseball history 41 years ago today. Saving the American Flag from being set aflame. pic.twitter.com/TRX4pTi4kR
— Ryan M. Spaeder (@theaceofspaeder) April 25, 2017
As for the protesters in 1976 – a man and his 11-year-old son – they had some legal issues which stemmed from the incident.
The father, after pleading guilty to trespassing, received three days in jail and one year probation for his efforts.
His son meanwhile, was sent to juvenile hall.
And Rick Monday, simply put, became an American hero.
Do you remember this happening in 1976? If so, please share your recollections in the comments section below.
