Posted on 07/03/2006 8:39:31 PM PDT by SmithL
Rick Monday doesn't remember the score, or who won the game. He can't tell you how many hits he got that day at Dodger Stadium.
The other details of a Sunday afternoon 30 years ago, though, are forever seared into his memory.
The commotion from left field in the bottom of the fourth inning. The sight of two men carrying something running toward left center field.
A glint of sunlight off a can. Someone striking a match.
And, finally, fans standing as one to sing "God Bless America."
"I had goose bumps upon goose bumps 30 years ago when I did it, and I still get them when I recap the story 30 years later," Monday says.
What Monday did was race in from behind and snatch an American flag carried by the men just as they were about to burn it in protest on the pristine grass of the outfield.
Had it been another time, it might quickly have been forgotten. But it was the year of the Bicentennial, and the country was trying to come together and heal after the long war in Vietnam and the Watergate crisis that brought down a president.
Now, three decades later, Monday's running grab lives on as not only one of the greatest saves in baseball history, but an iconic moment that transcends the sport itself.
"There are those who become involved and those who wait for someone to become involved," Monday said. "It comes down to a very simple matter of what is right."
The same flag returns to Dodger Stadium on Tuesday for the first time since Monday carried it off the field on April 25, 1976.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Fantastic and so appropriate on Independence Day.
Ping for Rick Monday.
Monday bump.
Happy Independence Day!
Greatest play in baseball!!
I cannot DESCRIBE what I felt when I watched that, but it is very good. Goosebumps and .... YESSSS!!!!!
Ooops, thanks and Happy Birthday U.S.A. to you!!
Thanks much for the link, it brings back memories.
Happy Independence Day to all.
God bless America!
I was a kid in Chicago watching the game on TV. When the 2 idiots ran on the field WGN cut away so as not to publicize their actions. We missed the play until the next day when it was shown on the news.
A hero. No wonder the folks in the stadium rose to their feet.
The Bicentennial-that was a fun year...after Vietnam and Watergate we were ready to show our pride as Americans again.
Thanks, kay.
Yeah, we were ready then, but we had to wait out the Carter Administration, first.
Happy 4th of July! God Bless America and all who protect her!
4th of July bump!
TUESDAY, July 4 vs. Diamondbacks - 6:10 p.m. Topps Baseball Cards featuring Dodger players will be given out to kids 14 and under. To commemorate the Fourth of July there will be a post-game fireworks show compliments of TD Ameritrade, along with a mini-flag giveaway. There also will be an Air Force Color Guard and flyover, and families of 100 Air Force members from Vandenberg Air Force Base who have served in Iraq & Afghanistan will be on hand. Rick Monday and his wife Barbaralee will present the flag that Rick saved 30 years ago during the singing of the National Anthem.
I got to touch that flag and had my picture taken with it and Rick's lovely wife BarbaraLee this past Sat.
Amen! Have a wonderful 4th of July!
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