Monday Induced into Sports Hall of Fame

Rick Monday, who is entering his 15th season as a Dodger broadcaster and 22nd season overall with the organization, was inducted into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Hall of Fame during the organization’s annual awards luncheon at Lakeside Golf.

l     The Emmy-Award winning broadcaster serves as an analyst on KABC 790 AM for all Dodger home games and the club’s road games against the National League West. In all other road games, Monday serves as the play-by-play announcer alongside former teammate Jerry Reuss.  

The two-time All-Star outfielder helped the Dodgers to a World Championship in 1981 and three NL pennants (1977, 1978, 1981), compiling a .264 career batting average with 241 home runs and 775 RBI while appearing in five League Championship Series and three World Series.    

The former left-handed hitter is also known for his dramatic, game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 1981 N.L. Championship Series at Montreal, which gave the Dodgers a 2-1 victory and a berth in the World Series.   

Yet despite his success on the field and behind the microphone, Monday might be best known for his heroics during a game at Dodger Stadium on April 25, 1976. While playing for the Chicago Cubs, he saved the American flag from being burned by two protesters in left field.   

Former U.S. President Gerald Ford later presented him with a Bicentennial Commendation for his service to others and he has since been honored numerous times, including on June 27, 2006, when the 109th Congress passed a senate resolution honoring him for his courage and patriotism. Most recently, Monday was named to the Board of Directors of the Citizens Flag Alliance in 2007.   

The induction ceremony marks the first of two honors this month for Monday, who grew up in Santa Monica and currently resides in Vero Beach, FL.  

  To commemorate its 100th Anniversary of improving the quality of life for the local disadvantaged and homeless, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul will hold a special gala on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Jonathan Club. Monday will receive the Society’s ‘Outstanding Youth Role Model Award’ for his service to the community’s youth through St. Vincent de Paul’s outreach programs.