Bobby Bonilla, a former professional baseball player, has managed to maintain his status as a notable figure in the sports world long after his retirement. Born on February 23, 1963, in the Bronx, New York, Bonilla’s full name is Roberto Martín Antonio Bonilla. His career lasted from 1986 to 2001, during which he played for several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals. Bonilla’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million by 2024, thanks to his lucrative career and a uniquely structured deferred payment contract with the New York Mets.
Early life and career
Bonilla grew up in a simple family. His father, Roberto Bonilla Sr., worked as an electrician, and his mother, Regina Bonilla, was a psychologist. After his parents separated, Regina raised Bobby and his siblings in a challenging environment. Despite financial constraints, Bonilla excelled in sports, especially baseball. He attended Herbert H. Lehman High School, where he played for the school team, and later earned a degree in computer science at the New York Institute of Technology. However, his passion for baseball led him to a professional career after he was spotted by a scout at a baseball camp.
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professional career
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Bonilla made his MLB debut in 1986 with the Chicago White Sox, but soon moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates. His performance improved significantly with the Pirates, where he became known for his powerful hitting. He earned four consecutive All-Star selections from 1988 to 1991 and played a key role in the Pirates winning two National League East titles.
In 1991, Bonilla signed a record-breaking five-year, $29 million contract with the New York Mets, making him the highest-paid player in the National League at the time. Despite some disagreements with the media and varying performances on the field, Bonilla remained a prominent figure in baseball. His subsequent moves included stints with the Baltimore Orioles, with whom he reached the American League Championship Series in 1996, and the Florida Marlins, where he won the 1997 World Series.
Famous contracts
Bonilla’s most famous financial move came in 2000 when the Mets released him but still owed him $5.9 million. Instead of a lump sum payment, Bonilla and his agent negotiated a deferred payment plan. The Mets agreed to pay him approximately $1.2 million annually from 2011 to 2035, totaling $29.8 million. The deal, celebrated each year on July 1 as “Bobby Bonilla Day,” has been both praised and criticized, but it remains a notable example of financial planning in sports.
personal life
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Bonilla married his high school sweetheart Migdalia “Milly” Bonilla and they had two children, Brandon and Danielle. The couple divorced in 2009. Since then, Bonilla has kept little information about his private life and has not publicly dated anyone.
Legacy and Net Worth
As of 2024, Bonilla’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. This includes his earnings from his playing days, his deferred payments from the Mets, and other investments. During his playing career, he earned $52 million in salary. His deferred payment arrangement with the Mets, combined with another $250,000 annual payment from the 1994 agreement, ensures that Bonilla continues to earn substantial income long after his retirement.
Bonilla’s career statistics include a .279 batting average, 287 home runs, and 2,010 hits. He was a six-time All-Star and won three Silver Slugger Awards, reflecting his prowess as a hitter. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Bonilla remains a well-known figure in baseball, both for his accomplishments on the field and his financial acumen off the field.
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Category: Net worth