You know it’s summer when the internet dusts off its favorite baseball tradition, not a walk-off home run or a no-hitter, but Bobby Bonilla Day.
Every July 1, like clockwork, the New York Mets cut Bonilla a check for nearly $1.2 million. He hasn’t played a game since 2001. He hasn’t suited up for the Mets since 1999. But here we are in 2025, and once again, Bonilla’s name is trending before fireworks and hot dogs take center stage.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Bonilla told Sportico this week. “It’s a reminder that I did the right thing by putting the money away.”
Bonilla’s Big Payday Rolls On
This year marks the 15th installment of the 25 payments the Mets owe him through 2035, stemming from a contract that dates back to 1991. The team deferred his salary, and Bonilla agreed to spread the money out, with interest, rather than take it all up front. The result? A $1.19 million check each July 1 for a player who hasn’t taken a swing in over two decades.
And it’s not just the Mets. The Orioles have quietly paid Bonilla $500,000 annually since 2004, with that deal running through 2028. By the time it’s all over, Bonilla will have pulled in over $42 million since retiring.
The man himself? He’s enjoying the attention, even if it comes with a smirk.
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“It’s bigger than my birthday,” Bonilla said. “People know this date more than they know my birthday. I think it’s very cool.”
Happy Bobby Bonilla Day to all who celebrate.
— FAX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFAX) July 1, 2025
The Mest just Venmo’d $1.19 million to a guy who hasn’t played for them since fax machines were cutting-edge. pic.twitter.com/AivFgy2FoD
Bonilla credits his mindset as a player for his long-term financial success. He never chased flashy purchases or wild spending sprees. “I never needed five of the same car or 17 houses,” he said. “I never overdid anything.”
While Bonilla won’t be heading to Cooperstown anytime soon, his July 1 legacy might be just as iconic. Few players get honored on the same date every year. Even fewer become memes and cautionary tales for franchises.
Ironically, Bonilla’s deal now looks tame. Chris Davis is set to collect $59 million from the Orioles through 2037. Max Scherzer is pulling $15 million a year from the Nationals until 2028. Ichiro Suzuki? He’s due over $25 million through 2032. And when Shohei Ohtani starts collecting $68 million annually from 2034 to 2043, fans might start calling it “Shohei Day.”
For now, though, July 1 still belongs to Bobby Bonilla, and he’s smiling all the way to the bank.
