It’s Bobby Bonilla Day
Independence Day is in a few days. But, today is a different holiday. It’s Dependence Day. And, it’s the day when the New York Mets pay former Major League Baseball player Bobby Bonilla his annual 1.19 million dollar payout. It’s Bobby Bonilla Day! Let the fireworks begin!
Holiday Background
As you know from a previous post, I’m a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Bobby Bonilla played for the Pirates from 1986 to 1991. He was a very good third baseman and a great hitter. In fact, he helped lead the Pirates to three playoff appearances. In true Pirates fashion, they let him go to the Mets in 1992 as a free agent. But, this time they were right.
Bonilla played for the Mets for three years, then he bounced around from team to team for several years. He returned to the Mets in 1999, and was released after a subpar season in 2000.
Show Me the Money
Upon his release from the Mets in 2000, Bonilla was still owed about six million dollars. Mets management was “all in” on Bernie Madoff’s ponzi scheme, so they deferred Bonilla’s salary with eight percent interest and spread it out across 25 years from 2011 to 2035. When Madoff’s ponzi scheme fell apart, Bonilla’s six million dollar salary became 30 million dollars.
So, every July 1st, Bonilla receives a payment of about 1.2 million dollars. And, Mets fans celebrate the dumbest contract in the history of sports. This year, he is 58 years old. His final payment will come when he is 72 years old. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Bonilla has a similar arrangement with the Baltimore Orioles. They pay him $500,000 every July 1st until 2028. This guy must have had the best agent ever.
There are some other baseball players that receive deferred payments, but none of them come close to Bonilla’s payouts.
It Was in the Cards
So, why is Bobby Bonilla Day a holiday. He had a pitiful season in 2000 at 37 years old. Then, he argued with manager Bobby Valentine. And finally, during the climactic moments of the National League Championship game against the Atlanta Braves, he was in the clubhouse playing cards with Rickey Henderson.
That’s right. He was rewarded for letting his team down. That sounds like something the Democrats would cheer for. Or, maybe that’s his reparation payments.
Conclusion
Millions of hard-working Americans will get out their Bobby Bonilla baseball cards and bobble head dolls today to celebrate one of the finest achievements in sports. I’m sure President Biden is considering an executive order to make Bobby Bonilla Day a federal holiday. He represents the American dream.
Thank God the Pirates never did something like this. I could easily see Bob Nutting considering this as an option so he can save money today. The truth is that Bonilla was a very good player with the Pirates. But, they let him go in free agency at the right time. Those were the good old days when the Pirates had some idea of what they were doing.
Happy Bobby Bonilla Day to all! And, to all a good fright!
