Rick Monday is my favorite player of all time. I am so glad the Dodgers traded for him.
He was also the first drafted player in MLB ever, by the Kansas City Athletics. During the Dodgers World Series years in the ‘70s, he was the only starting lefty (Reggie Smith was a switch-hitter).
Monday had numerous serious injuries, but kept fighting back. I remember one injury had to do with Rick Monday (as a Cub) running full speed into the brick wall. The back injury was almost a career ender. Then the Achille’s tendon. AFter a Chiropractor helped him with the back, he was breaking all sorts of records and was the top All-Star vote getter until he tore the tendon.
Late in his career, a timely hit kept the Montreal Expos out of the World Series, as the Dodgers went on to beat the Yankees in the strike shortened year.
He was also a superior fielder.
He struck out a lot against left-handed pitching later in his career.
A great player, and part of the legendary Dodger starting 8 of
Davey Lopes-Bill Russell-Reggie Smith-Ron Cey-Steve Garvey-Dusty Baker-Rick Monday-Steve Yeager.
It was late in his career, perhaps his final season with Dodgers. We were at Chavez Ravine, great seats, four rows back, second level behind the Dodger dugout.
There was loud heckler in the front row, and he was giving Monday a ridding. Not as much mean, actually kinda funny.
Monday struck out for the second time and the guys says:
"Times catching up with you Monday. Don't worry, The Dodgers will always have a job for you upstairs."
Late in the game Monday strikes out again (I recall he had a hit in between, not sure what it was). This time the guys says:
"It's OK Rick, We'll always love you for the flag!"
Monday disappeared into the dugout as he said this. Then came back out tipped his cap and said:
"I'll always love you too!"
Class act all the way!