When Two Fans Try to Burn the Flag, the Cubs' Rick Monday Assists in a Save of Old Glory

The most spectacular run at a Cubs-Dodgers game last week never registered on the scoreboard. It was executed by Chicago’s Rick Monday, a fleet center fielder. In the fourth inning Monday saw two spectators climb out of the stands in Dodger Stadium, spread an American flag in left-center field and douse it with lighter fluid. While they fumbled with matches, Monday sprinted 150 feet, scooped up Old Glory and carried it to safety while 25,000 customers roared in tribute. “There’s nobody going to burn the flag while I’m on the field,” said Monday. “I’ve visited too many VA hospitals and seen too many kids who were mangled trying to protect what it stands for.” The culprits, William E. Thomas, 37, and his son, 11, were arrested and charged with trespassing. They were reported to be protesting the U.S. treatment of Indians. Monday’s team lost, but he got three hits. Said the Cubs’ Jose Cardenal, “Now we have three great patriots: Lincoln, Washington and Monday.”