The Greatest Play in Baseball

April 2, 2009 by Lisa Krempasky  
Filed under Politics

The greatest play in baseball in not what you would expect. It happened during the 4th inning of the Dodgers Cubs game on April 25, 1976. Two I hate America protesters got on to the outfield with a lighter fluid drenched American flag and matches. As they lit the first match Cubs outfielder Rick Monday noticed what they were doing and headed toward them. The first match did not take and as they struck the second match Monday swooped down and grabbed the flag.

Moments later the crowd spontaneously broke into “God Bless America.” Here’s the video of Monday’s action and the reflections from more than 30 years later.

Rick Monday was not a political activist. He was a baseball player. Yet when he saw something wrong, really wrong, he took action. He did not stand on the sidelines and criticize. He stepped up and he made a difference. We everyday people have the power and ability to make significant statements. Don’t shrink back. When the opportunity arises, seize the day. If we all do our part America will survive and thrive.