On April 25, 1976, At Dodger Stadium Chicago Cubs center fielder Rick Monday becomes a national hero when he saves an American flag from being burned by two fans (a father and son) at Dodger Stadium. During the fourth inning of the game, two fans race onto the field and head for the outfield, where they prepare to ignite an American flag. Monday runs in from center field and snatches the flag, prompting an ovation from the fans at Dodger Stadium. Although the Cubs lost 5 – 4, 10-inning loss to Los Angeles Monday was the clear winner.

The Cubs’ 30 year-old fly chaser, who served six years in the Marine Reserves, will be presented the flag a month later in a pregame ceremony at Wrigley Field by L.A. executive Al Campanis as a gesture of patriotic thanks.