History of Bobby Bonilla in Timeline

"Bobby Bonilla" was an American professional baseball player. He played third base and outfield in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1986 through 2001.

February 23, 1963: Birth of Bobby Bonilla

Roberto Martin Antonio Bonilla was born on February 23, 1963.

1981: High School Graduation and Pursuit of Computer Science

Bobby Bonilla graduated from Herbert H. Lehman High School in the Bronx in 1981 and briefly studied computer science at New York Institute of Technology.

1984: Start of Winter League Play in Puerto Rico

Bobby Bonilla began playing winter league baseball with the Mayagüez Indians in Puerto Rico in 1984.

1985: Leg Injury During Spring Training

During spring training in 1985, Bobby Bonilla suffered a broken right leg after colliding with teammate Bip Roberts, temporarily halting his progress in the Pirates' farm system.

1986: MLB Debut

Bobby Bonilla made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox in 1986.

1986: Start of Successful Period with the Pirates

From 1986 to 1991, Bobby Bonilla enjoyed a successful period with the Pittsburgh Pirates, marked by impressive batting statistics and multiple All-Star selections.

1986: Rule 5 Draft and Trade Back to Pirates

The Chicago White Sox selected Bobby Bonilla in the Rule 5 draft during the 1985-1986 offseason. However, he was later traded back to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

1987: Transition to Right Field

Initially a third baseman, Bobby Bonilla transitioned to right field in 1987 under the guidance of manager Jim Leyland.

1988: End of Winter League Play in Puerto Rico

Bobby Bonilla's time playing winter league baseball with the Mayagüez Indians in Puerto Rico came to an end after the 1988 season.

1990: MVP Candidacy

Bobby Bonilla's outstanding performance, including leading the league in extra base hits in 1990, placed him among the top contenders for the National League MVP award.

1990: Contribution to Pittsburgh Pirates' Success

Bobby Bonilla, along with Barry Bonds and Andy Van Slyke, formed a formidable outfield trio that helped propel the Pittsburgh Pirates to National League East Division titles in 1990, 1991, and 1992.

1990: League Leader in Extra Base Hits

In 1990, Bobby Bonilla led the league in extra base hits, showcasing his powerful hitting ability.

October 28, 1991: Free Agency

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

December 2, 1991: Record-Breaking Contract with the Mets

Bobby Bonilla signed a five-year, $29 million contract with the New York Mets on December 2, 1991, setting a record for the highest single-season salary in baseball history.

1991: League Leader in Doubles

Bobby Bonilla continued to excel offensively in 1991, leading the league in doubles.

1991: Signing with the New York Mets

Bobby Bonilla signed a lucrative contract with the New York Mets during the 1991-1992 offseason, becoming the highest-paid player in the league.

February 1992: Establishment of the Bobby and Millie Bonilla Public School Fund

In February 1992, Bobby Bonilla and his wife, Millie, established the Bobby and Millie Bonilla Public School Fund with an initial contribution of $35,000. The fund's purpose was to support schools attended by the couple.

1992: Highest-Paid Player in the National League

Bobby Bonilla's record-breaking contract made him the highest-paid player in the National League from 1992 to 1994.

1992: End of Pittsburgh Pirates' Success

The Pittsburgh Pirates' streak of three consecutive National League East Division titles ended in 1992.

1993: Career-High Home Run Total

Bobby Bonilla achieved a career-high 34 home runs in 1993.

1994: End of Highest-Paid Player Status

Bobby Bonilla's reign as the highest-paid player in the National League concluded in 1994.

July 28, 1995: Trade to the Baltimore Orioles (Second Mention)

On July 28, 1995, Bobby Bonilla was traded to the Baltimore Orioles.

1995: Final All-Star Selection

Bobby Bonilla earned his final All-Star selection as a member of the New York Mets in 1995.

1995: Trade to the Baltimore Orioles

In 1995, Bobby Bonilla was traded to the Baltimore Orioles.

1996: Free Agency and Signing with the Marlins

After the 1996 season, Bobby Bonilla became a free agent and signed with the Florida Marlins, where he was reunited with his former manager, Jim Leyland.

1996: American League Championship Series Appearance

As a member of the Baltimore Orioles, Bonilla contributed to the team's successful run to the American League Championship Series in 1996.

1996: Contribution to Orioles' Playoff Run

Bobby Bonilla played a significant role in the Baltimore Orioles' journey to the 1996 American League Championship Series.

1997: World Series Championship with the Florida Marlins (Second Mention)

Bobby Bonilla was part of the Florida Marlins team that won the World Series in 1997.

1997: World Series Championship with the Florida Marlins

In 1997, Bobby Bonilla won the World Series as a member of the Florida Marlins.

1997: Bobby Bonilla's Resurgence

The year 1997 marked a resurgence for Bobby Bonilla, as he achieved his highest batting average since that season.

May 14, 1998: Trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers (Second Mention)

On May 14, 1998, the Florida Marlins traded Bobby Bonilla to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a multi-player deal.

November 1998: Return to the New York Mets

The New York Mets reacquired Bobby Bonilla in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers in November 1998.

1998: Brief Stint with the Marlins

Bobby Bonilla had a short stint with the Florida Marlins in 1998, playing in only 18 games before being traded.

1998: Trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Bobby Bonilla was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers midway through the 1998 season.

1999: Deferred Payment Agreement with the Mets

After his release from the Mets in 1999, Bobby Bonilla agreed to a deferred payment plan where he would receive annual payments of $1.19 million every July 1st from 2011 to 2035.

1999: Second Stint with the New York Mets

Bobby Bonilla rejoined the New York Mets in 1999.

1999: Conflicts and Departure from the Mets

Bobby Bonilla's second stint with the New York Mets in 1999 was marked by conflicts with manager Bobby Valentine over playing time and a controversial incident during the 1999 NLCS, ultimately leading to his release from the team.

2000: Bobby Bonilla Signs with the Braves

In 2000, Bobby Bonilla signed with the Atlanta Braves, where he played 114 games.

October 7, 2001: Bobby Bonilla's Final Game and Retirement

On October 7, 2001, Bobby Bonilla played his last game in Major League Baseball. He retired at the end of the season, citing injuries and reduced playing time as the reasons.

2001: Retirement from MLB (Second Mention)

After stints with the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, Bobby Bonilla retired from Major League Baseball at the end of the 2001 season.

2001: Retirement from MLB

Bobby Bonilla retired from Major League Baseball after the 2001 season.

2004: Start of Deferred Payment Plan with the Orioles

Bobby Bonilla's deferred payment plan with the Baltimore Orioles commenced in 2004, paying him $500,000 annually.

2008: Deferred Payment Plan Scrutiny

Bobby Bonilla's deferred payment agreement with the Mets came under scrutiny in 2008 during the investigation of the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme.

2009: Bobby and Millie Bonilla Divorce

In 2009, Bobby Bonilla and his wife Millie divorced after being married for over 20 years.

2011: Start of Deferred Payment Plan ("Bobby Bonilla Day")

Bobby Bonilla's deferred payment plan with the Mets began in 2011, with him receiving $1.19 million every July 1st. This date has become known as "Bobby Bonilla Day" among Mets fans.