Full Breakdown
Rick Monday’s 1976 Flag Rescue: Fifty Years of Baseball Patriotism
4/26/2026, 4:08:28 AM
Flag Rescue at Dodger Stadium, April 25 1976
On April 25 1976, during a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, two individuals entered the field in the fourth inning carrying an American flag and lighter fluid. Cubs center fielder Rick Monday sprinted from left-center field, seized the flag before it could be set alight, and delivered it to the Dodgers’ dugout. Crowd responded with a chant of “USA! USA!” and a standing ovation.
Background: Post-Vietnam Context and Military Service
Monday’s act unfolded as the country grappled with the Vietnam War’s aftermath and debates over patriotism. Three months after being selected first overall in 1965 MLB draft, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve, serving six years. In a Los Angeles Times interview, he said respect for flag stemmed from military service and from families of fallen service members.
Key Participants
Key participants were Cubs center fielder Rick Monday, the two unnamed protesters, Dodgers pitcher Doug Rau, and third-base coach Tommy Lasorda, who charged the field. The Dodger Stadium crowd joined in a unified chant.
Timeline
- 1965: First overall pick in MLB’s inaugural draft.
- April 25 1976: Flag rescue at Dodger Stadium.
- 1981: Go-ahead home run in NLCS; Dodgers win World Series.
- 2026: Hall of Fame honors Monday on July 25; flag displayed in Cooperstown Memorial-Day-to-Labor-Day exhibition.
Data & Statistics
Monday’s baseball résumé includes a 19-season career, two All-Star selections, eight seasons with the Dodgers, and a decisive home run that helped clinch the 1981 World Series. He has broadcast Dodgers games for 34 consecutive seasons. The rescued flag will be exhibited at Cooperstown from Memorial Day through Labor Day, marking the 50th anniversary.
Official Statements & Responses
The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced Monday will be honored on July 25 2026 during its induction weekend, with an Awards Presentation at Alice Busch Opera Theater. The ceremony will feature broadcaster Joe Buck. The Hall’s release noted the rescued flag will be featured in a special exhibition from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During the 1976 game, the stadium scoreboard displayed a gratitude message after Monday’s return to the plate.
Why It Matters
The flag rescue remains one of baseball’s most cited patriotic moments, illustrating the sport’s role in national discourse. It cemented Monday’s public image as a figure of respect for the flag and veterans, influencing his long broadcasting career and prompting the Hall of Fame to honor the episode alongside his on-field achievements.
Verbatim Quotes
- “if they don’t have the flag, they cannot burn it.” — Rick Monday, Former Chicago Cubs Center Fielder
- “I get letters every week.” — Rick Monday, Former MLB Player and Dodgers Broadcaster
- “If you're going to burn the flag, don't do it around me.” — Rick Monday, Hall of Fame Honoree (Fox News interview)
- “I've been to too many veterans' hospitals and seen too many broken bodies of guys who tried to protect it.” — Rick Monday, Hall of Fame Honoree (Fox News interview)
What’s Next
Monday will be formally recognized at the Hall of Fame’s July 25 2026 Awards Presentation, and the rescued flag will be on public view in Cooperstown throughout the Memorial-Day-to-Labor-Day exhibition.
