American Flag Rescued by Rick Monday on Exhibit at Museum Throughout Summer 2026

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – It was a shoestring grab, coming on one of baseball’s most hallowed fields and just in the nick of time.

But Rick Monday did it all without a pitch being thrown. Instead, it was his quick hands and faster thinking that saved an American flag on April 25, 1976, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

This summer, that flag will have a home in Cooperstown.

As part of the Museum’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the flag Monday rescued from potential incineration will be exhibited at the National Baseball Hall of Fame from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. The flag, which Monday has preserved since saving it and is loaning to the Museum for the summer, has never previously been exhibited in one public location for as many days.

“My wife, Barbaralee, and I are thrilled that the flag will be exhibited at the Museum as part of our country’s 250th birthday,” said Monday, who played 19 years in the big leagues with the Athletics, Cubs and Dodgers after becoming the first overall choice in the inaugural MLB Draft in 1965. “Baseball and American history share a bond like no other, and the Hall of Fame is where that incredible story is told. The moment during that game 50 years ago was my spontaneous reaction to what was happening, and I never realized at the time how profound those few seconds would be for so many Americans.”

On that day 50 years ago in Los Angeles, Monday was playing center field for the Cubs in a game against the Dodgers. During the fourth inning, two trespassers entered the field, spread the flag on the left-center field grass and doused it with lighter fluid.

Monday, a veteran of the Marine Corps reserves who was in his 11th big league season, dashed over from his post, grabbed the flag with his right hand and sprinted away before handing it to Dodgers pitcher Doug Rau. The Sunday afternoon crowd of 25,167 fans responded with a standing ovation, and when Monday came to bat an inning later, the Dodger Stadium message board said: “Rick Monday…You made a great play.”

Monday received a phone call from United States President Gerald Ford after the game – a contest in which Monday had three hits – to thank him for his efforts. Thirty years later, the U.S. Senate issued Monday a proclamation of appreciation – a copy of which is preserved at the Hall of Fame.

“As the United States celebrated its bicentennial in 1976, Rick Monday’s efforts on that April day gave every American a reason to be proud,” said Josh Rawitch, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “Fifty years later, the Museum is honored to be able to share the flag he saved with thousands of guests who will visit Cooperstown this summer, and we are grateful to Rick for providing this opportunity. The patriotism and pride that Rick displayed that day and since are represented in the fabric of the flag that has become a national treasure.”

Since rescuing the flag, Monday has actively employed it in fundraising efforts for veterans and their families. His wife, Barbaralee, has tirelessly worked with Monday in charitable events as well – including a cross-country motorcycle ride that brought the flag from Vero Beach, Fla., to Dodger Stadium.

“The story of this flag has brought our country together for five decades, and for Cooperstown visitors to be able to share this experience is truly meaningful for both Rick and myself,” said Barbaralee Monday. “Rick’s military career means the world to him, and the flag represents what he and millions of other military members have fought and sacrificed for in the years before and since.”

Monday will be at Doubleday Field on May 23, for the Hall of Fame Military Classic, a seven-inning legends game that will highlight the America 250 events in the Museum throughout the year. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Military Classic are on sale now online or at 1-888-325-0470 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.