Chicago Cubs: Top 20 best hitters in franchise history
By Ryan Sikes
17. player. 9. . CF. (1972-76). Rick Monday
Cubs centerfielder Rick Monday is perhaps best known for saving an American flag from being burned at Dodger Stadium, but he knocked the ball around quite well in his five seasons with the team.
Monday was the top overall pick in the 1965 MLB Amateur Draft by the then-Kansas City Athletics. He made his major league debut with the team on September 3, 1966 and made the big league team in the 1967 season.
In November 1971, Monday was traded to the Cubs for pitcher Ken Holtzman. Monday arguably put up his best numbers over the next five seasons on the North Side.
In all, Monday slashed .270/.366/.460 with 106 home runs and 293 RBI during his tenure with the Cubs and finished 18th in the National League MVP voting in 1976.
That season, he smacked 32 home runs, 77 RBI and posted an .853 OPS (all career-highs). As previously noted, Monday saved an American flag from being burned on April 25, 1976. He received a standing ovation on the road at Dodger Stadium.
Monday was presented with an American flag that had flown over Valley Forge Historical Park to commemorate his courageous act of Patriotism in 1976.
After the 1976 season, Monday was traded to the Dodgers. He slashed .254/.355/.443 with 73 home runs and 226 RBI in eight seasons with the team. His best years were with the Cubs. He will forever be remembered for his courageous acts on the field and as one of the best hitters in Cubs history.