Career Timeline of Bobby Bonilla: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bobby Bonilla made an impact.

Bobby Bonilla is a former MLB third baseman and outfielder who played from 1986 to 2001. While he had a productive career with teams like the Pirates and Mets, he is most famously known for his deferred compensation agreement with the New York Mets. In 2000, the Mets agreed to pay Bonilla nearly $1.2 million every July 1st from 2011 to 2035, totaling almost $30 million, instead of paying him the $5.9 million they owed him. This decision has become a symbol of questionable financial decisions in sports, and "Bobby Bonilla Day" on July 1st is widely recognized, often with humorous commentary.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1984: Played with the Mayagüez Indians

In 1984, Bobby Bonilla began playing with the Mayagüez Indians of the Puerto Rican Winter League, continuing until 1988.

1986: Start of successful period

From 1986, Bobby Bonilla had a .284 batting average, with 868 hits, 191 doubles, 114 home runs, and 500 runs batted in (RBIs), beginning a successful period through 1991.

1986: MLB Debut and Trade to Pirates

In 1986, Bobby Bonilla made his major league debut with the Chicago White Sox and was later reacquired by the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for pitcher José DeLeón.

1987: Starting Third Baseman

In 1987, Bobby Bonilla became the Pirates' starting third baseman.

1988: End of Tenure with Mayagüez Indians

In 1988, Bobby Bonilla finished his time playing with the Mayagüez Indians of the Puerto Rican Winter League, having started in 1984.

1990: Led League in Extra Base Hits

During the 1990 MLB season, Bobby Bonilla led the league with 78 extra base hits. He was also a top candidate for the National League's Most Valuable Player award during this time with the Pirates.

1990: National League East Division Titles

In 1990, Bobby Bonilla helped propel the Pittsburgh Pirates to two of their three straight National League East Division titles, continuing through 1992.

October 28, 1991: Free Agent

On October 28, 1991, Bobby Bonilla became a free agent.

December 2, 1991: Signed with New York Mets

On December 2, 1991, Bobby Bonilla signed a five-year, $29 million contract with the New York Mets.

1991: Led League in Doubles

During the 1991 MLB season, Bobby Bonilla led the league with 44 doubles. He was also a top candidate for the National League's Most Valuable Player award during this time with the Pirates.

February 1992: Established the Bobby and Millie Bonilla Public School Fund

In February 1992, Bobby Bonilla and his wife Millie started the Bobby and Millie Bonilla Public School Fund with $35,000, contributing $500 for every run he batted in for the Mets.

1992: National League East Division Titles

In 1992, Bobby Bonilla helped propel the Pittsburgh Pirates to two of their three straight National League East Division titles, having started in 1990.

1992: Highest-Paid Player

In 1992, Bobby Bonilla received $6.1 million, a record for a single season, and became the highest-paid player in the National League, holding that title until 1994.

1993: Career-High Home Runs

In 1993, Bobby Bonilla hit a career-high 34 home runs.

1994: Highest Paid Player

From 1992 to 1994, Bobby Bonilla was the highest-paid player in the National League.

July 28, 1995: Traded to the Orioles

On July 28, 1995, Bobby Bonilla was traded to the Baltimore Orioles from the Mets in exchange for Damon Buford and Alex Ochoa.

1995: All-Star Game Appearance

In 1995, Bobby Bonilla participated in another All-Star Game during his tenure with the New York Mets.

1995: Signed with the Baltimore Orioles

In 1995, Bobby Bonilla played with the Baltimore Orioles.

1996: Free Agency and Signed with Marlins

Following the 1996 season, Bobby Bonilla was granted free agency and signed with the Florida Marlins.

1996: Reached ALCS with Orioles

In 1996, Bobby Bonilla helped the Baltimore Orioles reach the American League Championship Series.

1997: Highest Batting Average

In 1997, Bobby Bonilla had his highest batting average (.255) since the 1997 season, playing for the Braves.

1997: World Series Win

In 1997, Bobby Bonilla helped the Florida Marlins win the World Series.

May 14, 1998: Traded to Los Angeles Dodgers

On May 14, 1998, Bobby Bonilla, along with other players, was traded from the Florida Marlins to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Mike Piazza and Todd Zeile.

November 1998: Reacquired by the Mets

In November 1998, Bobby Bonilla was reacquired by the New York Mets from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Mel Rojas.

1998: Returned to the Marlins

In 1998, Bobby Bonilla returned to the Florida Marlins and batted .278 through 28 games.

1999: Mets deferred payment plan

In 1999, after a subpar season, the Mets and Bobby Bonilla agreed to a deferred payment plan where Bonilla would receive annual payments of just over $1.19 million from 2011 to 2035.

1999: Incident during NLCS Game 6

In 1999, during the sixth game of the NLCS, Bobby Bonilla was caught playing cards with teammate Rickey Henderson in the clubhouse while the Mets were being eliminated by the Braves.

1999: Negotiated Deferred Payment with Mets

In 1999, when the Mets wanted to release Bobby Bonilla, he negotiated a settlement. The Mets would pay him $1.19 million every July 1 from 2011 to 2035.