Bobby Bonilla Day: Why Mets pay former All-Star $1.19M every July 1—full story inside

It’s finally July 1, which marks Bonny Bonilla Day, an annual celebration of the weirdest 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 about Bonilla Day.

What is Bonilla Day?

Bonilla, a six-time All-Star who appeared in his farewell game in 2001, is getting a $1.19 million payout every year from the New York Mets since 2011.

It’s because 25 years down the memory lane, a decision was made to defer the due amount of $5.9 million they owed him.

On Wednesday, July 1, 63-year-old Bobby Bonilla is getting a payout for $1,193,248.20 from Mets since 2011.

But don’t be surprised; the Mets are not the only franchise to hand over deferred payments to star players long after they stopped playing for the team.

Others such as MVPs and Cy Young winners are some of the recognised names who do get annual paychecks from their previous franchises.

Bonilla who hung up his boots in 2001, appeared in 60 regular season games for the Mets in 1999 at age 36 at the time.

What’s Bonilla Day contract?

Bonilla inked a four-year contract at $23.3 million with the Marlins before the 1997 season.

He played a key role in lifting the first World Series that year for Mets.

But the very next year, he was traded to the Dodgers during the club’s infamous roster dump.

Prior to the 1999 campaign, the Dodgers traded Bonilla to the Mets, who were at that time in hunt of a new right fielder.

They signed Bonilla for a two year contract at $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 his outstanding dues of $5.9 million—with 8% interest—paying out $1,193,248.20 per year on July 1 from 2011 until 2035, adding up to roughly $30 million.

When will Bobby Bonilla Day finally be over?

The Mets' final “Bobby Bonilla Day” deferral payments arrangement is set to expire in 2035, when the six-time All-Star will turn 72.