Bobby Bonilla is 62 years old. He was born on February 23, 1963, in the Bronx. If you’re a baseball fan, you probably already knew that. Or at least, you knew the date that actually matters: July 1st.
That’s "Bobby Bonilla Day."
It’s the day the New York Mets cut him a check for $1,193,248.20. They’ve been doing it since 2011. They’ll keep doing it until 2035. By the time that final payment clears, Bobby will be 72. He hasn't suited up for the Mets since 1999, yet he remains one of the most recognizable names on their payroll every summer.
The Math Behind Bobby Bonilla Age and His Eternal Contract
People always ask how a guy who hasn't swung a bat in over two decades is still pulling seven figures. Honestly, it was a gamble that went sideways for the Mets but worked out like a dream for Bonilla.
Back in 2000, the Mets wanted to move on. Bonilla was 37, his production was dipping, and they owed him $5.9 million. Instead of just paying him and letting him walk, the team made a deal. They’d defer the money with 8% interest.
The payments wouldn't even start for a decade.
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The Mets’ ownership at the time, the Wilpon family, thought they were geniuses. They were heavily invested with Bernie Madoff. They figured the 10% or 12% returns they were "making" with Madoff would easily cover the 8% they owed Bobby.
We all know how the Madoff story ended.
Why 62 is the New 25 in the Bronx
At 62, Bobby Bonilla is living a retirement most people only see in movies. While other players his age are coaching high school ball or doing local car commercials, Bobby is essentially an annuity in a baseball uniform.
He didn't just do this with the Mets, either.
The Baltimore Orioles also owe him. They pay him $500,000 every year, a deal that started in 2004 and runs through 2028. Between the two teams, he’s pulling in nearly $1.7 million a year just for existing.
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A Career Beyond the Contract
It’s easy to reduce the man to a meme or a punchline about "free money." But let's be real—Bobby-Bo was a monster on the field during his prime.
- The Pirates Era: From 1986 to 1991, he was part of a terrifying lineup alongside Barry Bonds.
- The All-Star Pedigree: Six-time All-Star. That's not a fluke.
- The Hardware: Three Silver Sluggers and a World Series ring with the 1997 Marlins.
- The Stats: He finished his career with 2,010 hits and 287 home runs.
He was the highest-paid player in the National League from 1992 to 1994. He was used to big numbers long before the deferred interest kicked in.
Is Bobby Bonilla Day Good for Baseball?
Some fans hate it. They see it as a symbol of the "Old Mets" and their financial blunders. But the new owner, Steve Cohen, has actually embraced it. He’s joked about having a parade for Bobby.
Basically, it’s become part of the sport's folklore.
It’s also changed how modern contracts are written. Look at Shohei Ohtani. He signed a $700 million deal with the Dodgers but deferred $680 million of it. The "Bonilla Model" is now the blueprint for superstars who want to ensure their great-grandchildren never have to work.
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The difference? Ohtani’s deferral has 0% interest. Bonilla’s agent, Dennis Gilbert, was an insurance guy. He knew the power of compound interest. He secured that 8% rate, which is why a $5.9 million debt turned into a $29.8 million windfall.
What to Watch for Next
If you want to track the legend of Bobby Bonilla, keep an eye on July 1st every year. It’s the one day a year when a 60-plus-year-old man becomes the most talked-about person in Major League Baseball without even having to leave his house.
The next few years will see more of these "ghost" contracts come to light. Keep an eye on:
- Ken Griffey Jr.: Still getting paid millions by the Reds through 2024.
- Manny Ramirez: Collecting checks from the Red Sox until 2026.
- Chris Davis: The Orioles will be paying him until 2037.
Check the MLB payroll archives if you want to see who else is getting "Bonilla money." It’s a fascinating rabbit hole of sports finance that proves sometimes the best move you can make on the field is the one you make in the lawyer's office.