Every July 1, baseball fans and financial enthusiasts alike celebrate a unique event: Bobby Bonilla Day. This annual tradition sees the retired MLB star receive a hefty check from the New York Mets, more than two decades after he last played for the team. As the quirky holiday trends across social media and sports news, many are asking: When does Bobby Bonilla Day end? Here’s the latest on the saga, including fresh details, fan reactions, and what’s next for this iconic contract.
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Bobby Bonilla Day: The Annual Payday Explained
Bobby Bonilla Day is marked every July 1 when the New York Mets pay Bonilla $1,193,248.20, a sum he has received each year since 2011. This arrangement, born from a contract buyout in 2000, was designed to defer a $5.9 million payment the Mets owed Bonilla. Instead of a lump sum, the Mets agreed to pay him in annual installments—with 8% interest—over 25 years. The result? Bonilla will collect nearly $30 million by the time the deal concludes.
Key Point Summary
- Bobby Bonilla Day occurs every July 1.
- Bonilla receives $1.19 million annually from the Mets.
- The payments started in 2011 and will continue through 2035.
- The deal was structured with 8% interest, turning $5.9 million into nearly $30 million.
Read also-Bobby Bonilla Day: Why the Mets Still Pay $1.2 Million Annually to a Retired Star
When Does Bobby Bonilla Day End? The Countdown
The central question—when does Bobby Bonilla Day end?—has a clear answer: July 1, 2035. That’s when the final payment is scheduled, capping a 25-year run of annual checks. Bonilla, who will be 72 years old by then, will have received a total payout that far exceeds his original contract buyout.
| Year Payments Began | Final Payment Year | Total Years | Annual Payment | Total Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2035 | 25 | $1.19 million | ~$30 million |
This arrangement has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans and media outlets marking the day with memes, articles, and even special events at Citi Field. Under current Mets owner Steve Cohen, the tradition has taken on a celebratory tone, with Cohen himself joking about presenting Bonilla with a giant check and even offering unique fan experiences themed around the day.
How Did Bobby Bonilla Day Start? The Backstory
The roots of Bobby Bonilla Day trace back to the Mets’ decision to buy out Bonilla’s contract after the 1999 season. Rather than pay him the $5.9 million owed for the 2000 season, the team opted for a deferred payment plan. The rationale? The Mets were invested with Bernie Madoff at the time and expected high returns, making the deferred payments seem like a smart financial move. However, the Madoff Ponzi scheme collapsed, and the Mets’ anticipated profits never materialized, leaving them on the hook for the annual payments.
Despite the financial mishap, Bonilla’s deal is not unique in Major League Baseball. Other players, including Ken Griffey Jr. and Chris Davis, have similar deferred payment agreements, though none have captured public attention quite like Bonilla’s.
Recent Developments: Bobby Bonilla Day in 2025
As of July 1, 2025, Bobby Bonilla Day marked its 15th year, with the Mets once again issuing the $1.19 million payment. The day has evolved from a symbol of financial blunder to a beloved, if ironic, holiday among Mets fans. Social media platforms buzzed with posts celebrating the occasion, and the Mets organization leaned into the fun, engaging fans with themed events and promotions.
Bonilla himself has embraced the notoriety, comparing the annual payday to a second birthday. The event has become so ingrained in baseball culture that it’s now a point of pride—and humor—for both Bonilla and the Mets.
The Broader Impact: Deferred Payments in Baseball
The Bonilla contract has influenced how teams structure player deals, with deferred payments becoming more common. The most notable recent example is Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which defers $680 million of his salary until 2034. While Ohtani’s deal was a strategic move to manage payroll and competitive balance tax, Bonilla’s remains the benchmark for quirky, long-term payouts.
Social Media and Fan Reactions
Each year, Bobby Bonilla Day trends across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. Fans share memes, videos, and even mock celebrations, while sports analysts revisit the deal’s origins and implications. The Mets’ current ownership has capitalized on the buzz, turning what was once a source of embarrassment into a marketing opportunity and a rallying point for the fanbase.
What Happens After 2035?
With the end date set for July 1, 2035, Mets fans and baseball historians are already speculating about how the final Bobby Bonilla Day will be commemorated. Will there be a grand ceremony at Citi Field? A special tribute? While details remain to be seen, one thing is certain: the legacy of Bobby Bonilla Day will live on as one of the most memorable stories in sports business history.
Conclusion
Bobby Bonilla Day will officially end on July 1, 2035, after 25 years of annual payments from the New York Mets. Until then, fans can look forward to celebrating this unique tradition each summer, reflecting on the deal that turned a simple contract buyout into an enduring baseball holiday. Whether you see it as a cautionary tale or a cause for celebration, Bobby Bonilla Day remains a testament to the unpredictable, often entertaining world of sports contracts.
Celebrate the next Bobby Bonilla Day with us—share your favorite memes, join the conversation online, and stay tuned for more updates on this legendary baseball tradition.