July 4, 2012

chitwoodandhobbs: The Greatest Play in Baseball History Rick Monday, a California native, found himself back in Los Angeles for series against the Dodgers. It was 1976 — the Vietnam war ended, America was celebrating the Bicentennial and Rick Monday played center field for the Chicago Cubs. During this particular game at Dodger Stadium one fan chose to pay tribute to America by running onto the field with his 11-year-old son. Upon reaching the outfield the pair unfurled an American flag and doused it with lighter fluid. That’s all Monday, a one time Marine Corps Reserve, needed to see. Monday sprang into action and ran towards the men, considering his options. He could bowl the men over, that would certainly stop them. Or if he cold just get to the flag he might be able to get it away from them. As his luck would have it the wind blew the first match out. Before they could light the second match Monday was there and snatched the soaking flag right out from them, crisis averted. It was the greatest play in baseball history. Rick Monday’s own words best capture the moment. “After the guys left, there was a buzz in the stands, people being aghast with what had taken place. Without being prompted, and I don’t know where it started, but people began to sing ‘God Bless America.’ When I reflect back upon it now, I still get goose bumps.” When Monday got up to bat in the following half-inning, he received a well deserved standing ovation. The scoreboard behind the left-field bleachers flashed, “RICK MONDAY… YOU MADE A GREAT PLAY…” To this day, Rick Monday still has the flag he rescued. He’s been offered a million dollars for it but has stated that this particular flag is not for sale. Indeed, God bless America. @chitwoodhobbs Great play

chitwoodandhobbs:

The Greatest Play in Baseball History

Rick Monday, a California native, found himself back in Los Angeles for series against the Dodgers. It was 1976 — the Vietnam war ended, America was celebrating the Bicentennial and Rick Monday played center field for the Chicago Cubs.

During this particular game at Dodger Stadium one fan chose to pay tribute to America by running onto the field with his 11-year-old son. Upon reaching the outfield the pair unfurled an American flag and doused it with lighter fluid. That’s all Monday, a one time Marine Corps Reserve, needed to see. Monday sprang into action and ran towards the men, considering his options. He could bowl the men over, that would certainly stop them. Or if he cold just get to the flag he might be able to get it away from them. As his luck would have it the wind blew the first match out. Before they could light the second match Monday was there and snatched the soaking flag right out from them, crisis averted.

It was the greatest play in baseball history. Rick Monday’s own words best capture the moment.

“After the guys left, there was a buzz in the stands, people being aghast with what had taken place. Without being prompted, and I don’t know where it started, but people began to sing ‘God Bless America.’ When I reflect back upon it now, I still get goose bumps.”

When Monday got up to bat in the following half-inning, he received a well deserved standing ovation. The scoreboard behind the left-field bleachers flashed, “RICK MONDAY… YOU MADE A GREAT PLAY…” To this day, Rick Monday still has the flag he rescued. He’s been offered a million dollars for it but has stated that this particular flag is not for sale.

Indeed, God bless America.

@chitwoodhobbs

Great play

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    Great play
  18. fuckyeahpopcult reblogged this from chitwoodandhobbs and added:
    One for 4th of July.
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