People Over Patriotism: A Flag, Two Military Veterans & the Baseball Protest of 1976
"I don't agree with burning the American flag, but I also understand that sometimes it takes extreme measures to get people's attention when it comes to Native American issues. It's complicated." - Native American, U.S. Military Veteran, 2026 (anonymous) In 2026, we reach a 50-year milestone that remains one of the most misunderstood moments in American sports history. On Sunday, April 25, 1976, at Dodger Stadium, Chicago Cubs outfielder Rick Monday snatched a soiled American flag away from two protesters who attempted to set it on fire. The baseball world has labeled this moment as an act of patriotism – a heroic rescue of old glory. But as we mark this half-century anniversary, I think it’s time to give voice to the man who has been silenced for 50 years. In doing so, we will come to see that this event has deeper baseball ties than expected. In fact, arguably, it could be reframed as a protest honoring the most famous Native American to play Major League Bas...
