44 Years Ago: Chicago Cubs Rick Monday Saves U.S. Flag
If you've been finding yourself feeling more nostalgic lately, you're not alone. This weekend had me thinking of 1976.
There were some big ass concert tours that year. I'd see Aerosmith, Elton John, and Bob Seger ..they all played at the Pontiac Silverdome in 1976.
Mark "the Bird" Fidrych debuted in a Detroit Tiger uniform on April 20, 1976. His fidgety habits like patting the mound after a strikeout were quirky while the stuff he was pitching was wicked, leaving hitters cross-eyed.
And it was 44 years ago this weekend on April 25, 1976 when Rick Monday saved the American flag from being set ablaze in center field during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
It was a surreal moment, the visiting Chicago Cubs center fielder went charging up on two gate-crashers, who had rushed the field and were attempting to set fire to an American Flag.
It was all live on T.V. with the commentators describing what was taking place on the field. Rick Monday was a hero in real time, jumping into action with a purpose and a plan. He humbly downplayed his part but acknowledges the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
It was one of the best memories of 1976.