What Happened to Robert James "Rick" Monday Jr.?
Rick Monday is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) center fielder, best known for being the first overall pick in the inaugural 1965 MLB draft, his 1981 World Series championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and famously saving an American flag from being burned on the field in 1976. After his playing career, he transitioned into a long and distinguished broadcasting career, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a role he continues to hold as of 2026.
Quick Answer
Rick Monday is currently a long-standing radio broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a role he has held since 1993, marking his 31st season with the broadcast team and 39th overall with the organization. In 2026, he is being honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with his famous rescued American flag going on exhibit from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, and he is scheduled to participate in the Hall of Fame Military Classic and be honored at their Awards Presentation in July.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Batesville, Arkansas
Robert James Monday Jr. was born in Batesville, Arkansas.
First Overall MLB Draft Pick & College World Series Champion
Monday led Arizona State University to their first College World Series title and was named NCAA Player of the Year. He was then the first player selected in the inaugural Major League Baseball draft by the Kansas City Athletics.
Major League Baseball Debut
Monday made his MLB debut with the Kansas City Athletics.
Plays for Kansas City/Oakland Athletics
Monday played his first six seasons with the Athletics organization, earning his first All-Star selection in 1968.
Plays for Chicago Cubs
Monday was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he spent five productive seasons, including a career-best year in 1976.
Saves American Flag from Burning
While playing for the Cubs at Dodger Stadium, Monday famously intervened to prevent two protestors from burning an American flag on the field, an act that garnered national attention and praise.
Plays for Los Angeles Dodgers
Monday was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he would play the final eight seasons of his career and earn another All-Star selection in 1978.
"Blue Monday" Home Run and World Series Championship
Monday hit a dramatic ninth-inning home run in Game 5 of the NLCS against the Montreal Expos, sending the Dodgers to the World Series, which they subsequently won.
Begins Broadcasting Career with Dodgers
After retiring as a player, Monday began his broadcasting career, hosting the pre-game show and calling play-by-play for the Dodgers on cable TV.
Rejoins Dodgers Broadcast Team
After a stint with the San Diego Padres, Monday returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers broadcast team, a role he has maintained for decades.
Wins Emmy for Live Sports Coverage
Monday's broadcasting work was recognized with an Emmy Award for Live Sports Coverage.
Receives Bob Feller Act of Valor "Patriot Award"
Monday was honored with the "Patriot Award" at the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation's ceremony in Washington, D.C., recognizing his service, sacrifice, citizenship, and legacy.
Participates in Hall of Fame Military Classic
Monday is scheduled to participate in the Hall of Fame Military Classic, a legends game highlighting America 250 events at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Rescued Flag on Exhibit at National Baseball Hall of Fame
The American flag Rick Monday saved in 1976 will be exhibited at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend as part of America's 250th birthday celebration.
Honored at Hall of Fame Awards Presentation
Monday will be honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum's annual Awards Presentation in Cooperstown, recognizing the 50th anniversary of his flag rescue.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Robert James "Rick" Monday Jr. rose to prominence as a highly touted baseball prospect, becoming the first player ever selected in the inaugural Major League Baseball draft in 1965 by the Kansas City Athletics after a stellar collegiate career at Arizona State University where he was named NCAA Player of the Year. He embarked on a 19-season MLB career (1966-1984), playing for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Monday was a two-time All-Star (1968, 1978) and a member of the 1981 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Monday gained national recognition beyond his playing statistics on April 25, 1976, while playing center field for the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium. During the fourth inning, two protestors ran onto the field and attempted to set fire to an American flag. Monday, a Marine Corps Reserve veteran, sprinted across the outfield and snatched the flag before it could be ignited, an act that earned him widespread praise and a phone call from President Gerald Ford. This moment became an enduring symbol of patriotism and is still widely remembered.
Another significant moment in his playing career occurred in the decisive Game 5 of the 1981 National League Championship Series against the Montreal Expos, where he hit a dramatic two-out, ninth-inning home run, famously dubbed "Blue Monday" by heartbroken Expos fans, sending the Dodgers to the World Series. Following his retirement as a player in 1984, Monday seamlessly transitioned into a successful broadcasting career. He began with the Dodgers in 1985, had a stint with the San Diego Padres from 1989-1992, and then rejoined the Dodgers broadcast team in 1993, where he has remained ever since. He won an Emmy for Live Sports Coverage in 2001.
As of April 25, 2026, Rick Monday continues his role as a radio analyst for the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking his 31st season as a Dodgers broadcaster and 39th season overall with the organization. His commitment to service and country was recognized in November 2025 when he received the "Patriot Award" from the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation. Furthermore, 2026 is a significant year for Monday as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his flag rescue. The flag itself, which Monday has preserved, will be on exhibit at the Hall of Fame from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend 2026. He is also scheduled to participate in the Hall of Fame Military Classic on May 23, 2026, and will be honored at the Hall of Fame's Awards Presentation on July 25, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robert James "Rick" Monday Jr. made different choices?