The Infamous Bobby Bonilla Day: A $1.19 Million annual Tradition

For the 25th consecutive year, the New York Mets will be paying $1.19 million to Bobby Bonilla, a former player who last stepped onto the field for the team in 1999. This unusual arrangement has given rise to what is now popularly known as Bobby Bonilla Day, which takes place every July 1.

The Story Behind the Deferred Contract

In 1999, the Mets and Bonilla agreed on a deferred contract that would see the team pay him $1.19 million annually from 2011 to 2035. This unusual deal has been the subject of much fascination and criticism over the years, with many wondering why the Mets would agree to such a long-term commitment.

A Celebrated Occasion Among Fans

Despite the controversy surrounding the contract, Bobby Bonilla Day has become a celebrated occasion among fans. Many take to social media platforms like Reddit to share their thoughts and memes about the event. Fans have even created Bobby Bonilla Day shirts and bobbleheads to commemorate the occasion.

While the Mets may not be thrilled about continuing to pay Bonilla, the team's current owner, Steve Cohen, has chosen to honor the commitment. As the years go by, Bobby Bonilla Day has become an integral part of baseball culture, serving as a reminder of the complex and often surprising nature of professional sports contracts.

So, every year on July 1, baseball fans can celebrate the occasion with a Happy Bobby Bonilla Day meme or gif, knowing that this unusual tradition will continue for years to come.

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