It’s finally July 1, which marks 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 find out all the buzz around Bonilla Day.
What is Bonilla Day?
Bonilla, a six-time All-Star who appeared in his farewell game in 2001, has received a $1.19 million payment each year from the New York Mets since 2011.
That’s because 25 years later, a decision was made to defer the $5.9 million owed amount they owed him.
On Wednesday, July 1, Bobby Bonilla, 63, will receive a payment of $1,193,248.20 from the Mets since 2011.
But don’t be surprised; The Mets aren’t the only franchise to make deferred payments to star players long after they stop playing for the team.
Others, such as MVPs and Cy Young winners, are among the recognized names who receive annual paychecks from their previous franchises.
Bonilla, who hung up his cleats in 2001, appeared in 60 regular-season games with the Mets in 1999, when he was 36.
What is Bonilla Day’s contract?
Bonilla signed a four-year contract worth $23.3 million with the Marlins before the 1997 season.
He played a key role in winning 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 cut.
Before the 1999 campaign, the Dodgers traded Bonilla to the Mets, who were then looking for a new right fielder.
They signed Bonilla to a two-year, $11.65 million contract.
The Mets released Bonilla after the 1999 season, but still owed him $5.9 million for 2000.
The Mets decided to defer his $5.9 million in unpaid dues — with 8 percent interest — by paying $1,193,248.20 per year on July 1 from 2011 to 2035, or a total of about $30 million.
When will Bobby Bonilla Day finally end?
The Mets’ latest deferred payment agreement, “Bobby Bonilla Day,” is set to expire in 2035, when the six-time All-Star turns 72.
