Opening Day Auction Closing May 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2015
Rick Monday was a solid center fielder throughout his 19-year career from 1966 through 1984. Monday compiled a .264 batting average with 241 home runs and 775 RBI. He was selected as an All-Star in 1968 and 1978. In addition to his notable play throughout his career, Monday is also remembered for an event that occurred in the first inning of a game at Dodger Stadium on April 25, 1976. At that time, two protesters, a father and his 11-year-old son, ran into the outfield and tried to set fire to an American flag. Monday, who at the time was playing for the visiting Chicago Cubs, darted over and grabbed the flag to thunderous cheers. Monday later said, "If you're going to burn the flag, don't do it around me. I've been to too many veterans' hospitals and seen too many broken bodies of guys who tried to protect it." Monday was a U.S. military member himself and he still has the flag he rescued from the protesters. It is said he has been offered up to $1 million to sell it, but has declined all offers.
This M217 Hillerich & Bradsby model is from the 1965-68 label period. It is 35 inches and weighs 31.6 ounces, matching the Louisville Slugger ordering records. As per the PSA/DNA LOA that accompanies the bat, it is “Un-cracked with evidence of heavy use, Player number ‘7’ on the knob.” The bat has a flared knob with dried pine tar from about an inch above the knob to about two inches below the center brand. Outstanding example of a Rick Monday gamer.