“Better than Christmas.” ~ Adam Coffelt
The month of July is full of celebrations. Canada Day on the 1st, US Independence Day on the 4th, my wife Debbie’s birthday on the 9th, Eid al-Abha on the 10th, and my birthday on the 25th. But a day that deserves celebrating is July 1st, “Bobby Bonilla Day”.
Roberto “Bobby Bonilla” is a former Major League Baseball player. He was born on February 23, 1963. He was a 3rd basemen and right fielder that threw right-handed and was a switch hitter. He made his MLB debut for the Chicago White Sox on April 9, 1986, and his last appearance was for the St. Louis Cardinals on October 7, 2001.
(Found on the internet. Assuming Public Domain.)
He had a better than average career playing with the Chicago White Sox (1986), the Pittsburg Pirates (1986-1991), the New York Mets (1992-1995), the Baltimore Orioles (1995-1996), the Florida Marlins (1997-1998), again with the New York Mets (1999), the Atlanta Braves (2000) and finally the St. Louis Cardinal (2001). He had a career batting average of .279, with 2,010 hits, 287 home runs and 1,173 runs batted in. He was a six-time All-Star (1988-1991, 1993 and 1995), won the World Series with the Marlins (1997) and won the Silver Slugger Award three times (1988, 1990, and 1991). Solid player with good power number. So why the “Day”?
Well, during the offseason of 1991-92, he signed to play with the New York Mets for, at the time the highest contract ever of a little more than $6 million per season. He struggled during the season and typical of New Year media and fans, the contract was highly criticized. He played with a couple teams and eventually made his way back to the Mets. His second go-around wasn’t very successful, and the Mets decided to defer his contact in a buy-out. He was owed about $5.9 million and when he was released in January his pay was stretched over 24 years with an interest rate of 8%. So, $5.9 million with the accrued 8% interest became $29.8 million when the Mets contractually had to start paying him in 2011. (Part of the decision also had to do with the fact that Mets’ ownership invested with Bernie Madoff account that had a promise of double-digits returns. This failed to materialize).
Bobby stopped playing in 2001, but since 2011 and through 2035, he is paid $1.19 million (to be exact, $1,193,248.20) each July 1st. He will be 72, when he stops receiving paychecks. A huge win for Bobby, not such much for the Mets.
So, Bobby, enjoy your “day”!
~Coach Mike
Please feel free to share this post and site with your family, friends and 50 complete strangers if you like.
Link to: Achieves Page
Link to: About Page
Follow on Twitter: @CommentsFromCo9
I’m looking to retire in a few years, I wonder if he’s negotiate a contract for me ???
WOW 😮. He certainly hit the jackpot🤪. This was such an interesting post‼️ The Mets are not celebrating I’m thinking but good for him🥳. Happy July🤗