Childhood and Education Journey of Bobby Bonilla in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 2, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bobby Bonilla. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

February 23, 1963: Roberto Bonilla Born

On February 23, 1963, Roberto Martin Antonio Bonilla, later known as Bobby Bonilla, was born. He would go on to become a professional baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

1981: Graduated High School

In 1981, Bobby Bonilla graduated from Herbert H. Lehman High School in the Bronx.

1985: Leg Injury and Rule 5 Draft

During spring training in 1985, Bobby Bonilla broke his right leg, halting his rise through the Pirates' farm system. The Chicago White Sox then acquired him through the Rule 5 draft during the 1985–86 offseason.

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.

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.

2004: Began receiving payments from Orioles

In 2004, Bobby Bonilla began receiving payments of $500,000 per year from the Baltimore Orioles due to a deferred contract agreement that would last until 2028.

2008: Madoff Investment Scandal Inquiry

In 2008, the Bobby Bonilla deferred payment plan became a subject of inquiry during the Bernie Madoff investment scandal investigation.

2009: Divorce

In 2009, Bobby Bonilla and his wife Migdalia, known as Millie, divorced after having two children together.

2011: Bobby Bonilla Day Begins

In 2011, Bobby Bonilla began receiving annual payments of just over $1.19 million on July 1 from the Mets due to the deferred payment plan, a date that has become known as "Bobby Bonilla Day".

2011: First Deferred Payment from Mets

In 2011, Bobby Bonilla received the first payment of $1.19 million from the New York Mets as part of a deferred payment agreement, which has become known as "Bobby Bonilla Day".