The outfielder who saved the flag from a mid-game protest

History · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 1976, a protest at Dodger Stadium threatened to turn a baseball game into a political flashpoint. But center fielder Rick Monday saw the flame before anyone else, sprinting into the field to intercept the American flag and prevent it from being burned.

The incident occurred on April 25, 1976, during the bottom of the 4th inning. Two protesters, including 37-year-old William Errol Thomas Jr. and his 11-year-old son, ran onto the field to attempt to ignite an American flag. Monday, who was practicing with teammate José Cardenal, dashed to the scene to seize the flag before it could be consumed by fire. Despite Thomas throwing an empty can of lighter fluid at him, Monday successfully secured the symbol and handed it to Dodgers pitcher Doug Rau. The disruption happened just as the fourth inning was concluding. While the crowd cheered, the stadium scoreboard flashed a special message acknowledging his quick actions.

The act earned Monday a standing ovation and a congratulatory call from President Gerald Ford. He later reflected on the gravity of the moment, noting his time serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve had shown him the physical toll of war. Driven by his spouse's confinement within a Missouri psychiatric institution, the demonstrator received a $60 fine and a three-day jail term. The perpetrator's motive was linked to his wife's incarceration at a mental health facility. This specific event eventually led to Monday being presented with a special medallion by a veterans' charity.

Monday’s career spanned 19 seasons, from 1966 to 1984, including stints with the Athletics, Cubs, and Dodgers. He was a two-time All-Star and a World Series champion with Los Angeles in 1981. Beyond his defensive heroics, he was the first player ever selected in the inaugural 1965 MLB draft. After his playing days, he transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, serving as a voice for the Dodgers on both television and radio. His professional career commenced playing for the Lewiston Broncs within the Single-A Northwest League. Additionally, he earned College Player of the Year honours after leading Arizona State to a championship.

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