Press Release: Historic Flag Saved by Rick Monday to Remain on Exhibit in Cooperstown through Memorial Day Weekend 2027

Sept. 8, 2026

-- Center Fielder and Dodgers Broadcaster Extends Loan to Museum --

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Rick Monday received an extended ovation from the Dodger Stadium fans when he rescued the American flag 50 years ago.

That flag will now receive an extended stay in Cooperstown.

As part of the Museum’s celebration of America’s 250^th birthday, the flag Monday rescued has been on exhibit at the Hall of Fame since Memorial Day Weekend. Originally scheduled to be on display through Labor Day, due to popular demand, the flag will remain on the Museum’s third floor through Memorial Day Weekend 2027. The flag, which Monday has preserved since saving it and is loaning to the Museum, had never previously been exhibited in one public location like this.

“The display of this historic flag has become a very popular spot in our Museum in just a few short months and will continue to tell the story of that iconic moment,” said Josh Rawitch, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “We are deeply grateful and honored that Rick and Barbaralee Monday have agreed to extend this loan so that more of our visitors can enjoy it.”

On April 25, 1976, in Los Angeles, Monday was playing center field for the Chicago Cubs in a game against the Dodgers. During the fourth inning, two fans entered the field, spread the flag on the left-center field grass and doused it with lighter fluid.

Monday, a veteran of the Marine Corps reserves who was in his 11^th big league season, dashed over from his post, grabbed the flag with his right hand and sprinted away before handing it to Dodgers pitcher Doug Rau. The Sunday afternoon crowd of 25,167 fans responded with a standing ovation, and when Monday came to bat an inning later, the Dodger Stadium message board said: “Rick Monday…You made a great play.”

Special merchandise commemorating the 50^th anniversary of Monday’s great save is available at the new Hall of Fame Museum Store in Cooperstown and online at shop.baseballhall.org, including:
• Limited-Edition Autographed Mini Bats. Crafted in Cooperstown by the Cooperstown Bat Company, these 22-inch collectible mini bats feature a natural wood finish and a specially engraved image commemorating Rick Monday’s iconic rescue of the American flag. Limited to just 76 pieces, each bat is personally hand-signed by Rick Monday and authenticated by the Baseball Hall of Fame with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity and matching numbered hologram. Limited-Edition Photo Mint. Measuring 13 inches by 16 inches, this framed photo mint features a memorable image of Rick Monday saving the American flag, double matted beneath acrylic glass alongside a minted 39mm Chicago Cubs logo coin. Limited to just 50 pieces. Limited-Edition Collectible Pin. This colorful, highly detailed collectible pin features Rick Monday alongside the American flag. The cloisonné enamel pin is limited to just 1,976 pieces and comes complete with a display case.

• Image T-Shirt. This commemorative t-shirt featuring Rick Monday rescuing the American flag is made from soft tri-blend fabric, delivering lasting comfort, durability and everyday style.

Proceeds from these sales will benefit the Museum’s nonprofit mission to preserve history, honor excellence and connect generations.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is open seven days a week year round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. From Labor Day through the start of Memorial Day Weekend, the Museum observes daily regular hours of 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Ticket prices are $35 for adults (13 and over), $29 for seniors (65 and over) and $26 for juniors (ages 7-12) and $25 for those holding current memberships in the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and AMVets organizations. Members are always admitted free of charge and there is no charge for children 6 years of age or younger. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, visit our website at baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888-425-5633) or 607-547-7200.