It’s finally July 1, the day we celebrate Bonny Bonilla Day, an annual celebration of the strangest deal in MLB history.
On July 1, Mets fans, no matter where they are, wish each other a Happy Bobby Bonilla Day!
Let’s know all the rumors about Bonilla Day.
What is Bonilla Day?
Bonilla, a six-time All-Star who appeared in their farewell game in 2001, has been paid $1.19 million each year by the New York Mets since 2011.
It’s because 25 years later, the decision was made to defer the $5.9 million amount owed to him.
On Wednesday, July 1, Bobby Bonilla, 63, will receive a $1,193,248.20 payment from the Mets since 2011.
But don’t be surprised; The Mets aren’t the only franchise to give deferred payments to star players long after they stopped playing for the team.
Others, like MVPs and Cy Young winners, are some of the household names who receive annual paychecks from their former franchises.
Bonilla, who hung up his boots in 2001, appeared in 60 regular-season games for the Mets in 1999, when he was 36 years old.
What is the Bonilla Day contract?
Bonilla signed a four-year, $23.3 million contract with the Marlins before the 1997 season.
He played a key role in lifting the first World Series that year for the Mets.
But the following year, he was traded to the Dodgers during the club’s infamous roster change.
Before the 1999 season, the Dodgers traded Bonilla to the Mets, who at the time were looking for a new right fielder.
They signed Bonilla to a two-year contract worth $11.65 million.
The Mets released Bonilla after the 1999 season, but still owed him $5.9 million for 2000.
The Mets decided to defer their outstanding dues of $5.9 million (with 8% interest) by paying $1,193,248.20 per year on July 1 from 2011 to 2035, totaling approximately $30 million.
When will Bobby Bonilla Day finally end?
The Mets’ final “Bobby Bonilla Day” deferred payment agreement will expire in 2035, when the six-time All-Star turns 72.
