Who Are Your Old Heroes?

[1968 A's]

Who are your old heroes? Show or tell us who you admired the most growing up.

I always admired the guy who rescued an American flag from two terrorists trying to burn it at 2nd base in Dodger Stadium at an away game in 1976 while he was playing CF for the Cubs.

 

[1968 A's]

Rick was the first player selected in the first ever college draft in 1965 by the Kansas City A's. He played with my other all time heroes of the late 60's - early 70's A's. Led the club in RBI's and homers a few years before being traded to Chicago for the "Answer" after the 1971 season. One of the better fielders of his time making spectacular catches and dives in both the Coliseum and Wrigley Field. Monday played center because he could cover most of right and left as well. One of the many first round picks over the years coming out of Arizona State, Originally from Batesville, Arkansas, Monday was/is a big 6'3" 195. He was the lead-off man in Chicago for many years and usually led the team in Homers. Had the highest on base percentage there with a good eye for strikes. In 1976 had a .507 slugging percentage batting leadoff. Could run the paths well and stole a few bases always leading the Cubs in runs scored. Rick was traded to the Dodgers in '77 and had two more brilliant years there before having back surgery in '79. He played in pain sparingly for LA until 1984 as sort of a player/coach. Announced for the Padres many years in San Diegne of my all-time favorites.