Rick Monday Age and Early Life
Rick Monday was born on November 20, 1945, making his current age 79 years old. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up in a family that encouraged sports. Monday attended Herbert Hoover High School in Fresno, California, where he excelled in baseball and football. His early athletic talent set the stage for a professional career that would span nearly two decades in Major League Baseball. Rick Monday player profile on Baseball Reference confirms his birth date and early life details.
Monday was drafted by the Kansas City Athletics in the first round of the 1965 MLB draft, becoming the very first overall pick in the history of the Major League Baseball Draft. He signed with the Athletics and made his major league debut on June 29, 1966, at the age of 20. His early years with the Athletics established him as a promising center fielder with power and speed. Rick Monday Hall of Fame page provides additional context on his early career milestones.
Rick Monday Career Highlights and Broadcasting
Over his 19-year MLB career, Rick Monday played for the Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He accumulated 2,363 hits, 234 home runs, and 825 runs batted in during his career. Monday was a two-time All-Star and won a World Series championship with the Dodgers in 1981. His defensive play was also notable, as he led the National League in outfield assists in multiple seasons. Rick Monday career stats on Baseball Reference detail his full statistical record.
After retiring as a player, Monday transitioned into a successful broadcasting career. He served as a color commentator for the Los Angeles Dodgers radio and television broadcasts for many years. His broadcasting tenure made him a familiar voice to a new generation of baseball fans. MLB.com profile on Rick Monday broadcasting outlines his post-playing media career.
Rick Monday Net Worth and Legacy
Rick Monday's net worth is estimated to be in the range of several million dollars, accumulated through his MLB playing contracts and long broadcasting career. His primary income sources included player salaries during his active years and media contracts as a Dodgers broadcaster. Monday also benefited from real estate investments and public appearances tied to his baseball legacy. Forbes list of richest baseball players provides context on how player earnings compare across eras.
Monday's legacy extends beyond his statistics and earnings. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame. His most famous moment may be the 1976 incident where he saved an American flag from being burned by protesters at Dodger Stadium, an act that became a widely recognized symbol of patriotism. Rick Monday Hall of Fame page details his honors and enduring place in baseball history.