Nationwide — Former MLB participant Bobby Bonilla, who hasn’t performed skilled baseball since 2001, nonetheless will get a examine yearly for almost $1.2 million. The New York Mets have been paying him this annual quantity since 2011 and can proceed doing so till 2035. The weird payout each July 1st is now famously often called “Bobby Bonilla Day.”
Bonilla joined the Mets in 1991, signing a five-year, $29 million contract — the very best in staff sports activities on the time. After a number of staff adjustments and a World Sequence win with the Florida Marlins in 1997, he returned to the Mets in 1999. The reunion didn’t final lengthy. Bonilla struggled with accidents and efficiency, and the Mets launched him in 2000. He nonetheless had two years left on his contract, price $5.9 million.
As an alternative of taking the cash immediately, Bonilla agreed to a deferred cost plan. The Mets provided to pay him later, with 8 p.c curiosity. That $5.9 million ballooned to just about $30 million by 2011.
To handle the payout, the Mets arrange a 25-year plan. Every July 1, Bonilla receives a examine for about $1.2 million. His last cost will arrive in 2035, when he turns 72.
Bonilla earned $47 million throughout his profession. Due to the deal, he’s made nearly $30 million extra — with out taking part in a single recreation.
A six-time All-Star, Bonilla ended his profession with a .279 batting common, 287 house runs, and 1,173 RBIs.
“Individuals say, ‘Oh, that’s Bobby Bo,’” Bonilla advised Native 12 Information. “Oh my goodness. He’s a part of one of many biggest contracts in sports activities. I really like what he did.’ And that form of brings a smile to my face.”
