July 1st. 3 days earlier than America celebrates their independence, we rejoice the Mets’ lack thereof. For a lot of, it’s simply one other scorching, sticky day within the thick of summer season. However for Bobby Bonilla, it’s a scorching, sticky day within the thick of summer season with a cool milly being dropped into his checking account. In 2000, the Mets made a monetary choice so gloriously ridiculous that solely the Mets might. The Bob Valentine in a disguise of monetary choices. They determined to defer Bobby Bonilla’s $5.9 million contract, spreading it out over 25 years beginning in 2011. Now, each July 1st, the Mets pay Bobby Bonilla $1.19 million. Sure. One level one 9 million. Bobby Bonilla, who retired in 2001, continues to be making a cool million-plus yearly for merely staying alive.
Think about this: you’re sipping a cool drink sitting by the pool, enjoying in a charity celeb softball recreation, chilling at a neighborhood bar avoiding your spouse and youngsters, or no matter else retired MLB gamers do, when your cellphone buzzes with a notification. “$1.19 million has been deposited into your account.” That’s Bob’s actuality. It’s the final word retirement plan. However how did this occur? The Mets, in a stroke of monetary genius (or insanity), thought they may make investments the saved cash and earn a better return. The irony? Their investments tanked, and now they’re caught with an annual reminder. It’s like Christmas, however as an alternative of Christ being born, the Mets had been simply dumb. In the meantime, Bob is Chuck profitable the golden ticket. However as an alternative of touring the chocolate manufacturing facility together with his gimpy grandpa, he can simply purchase the rattling manufacturing facility. July 1st isn’t simply the primary day of July. It’s endlessly a day to chortle on the Metropolitans. So, right here’s to you, Bob Bonilla. Might your first of July proceed to be full of laughter, pleasure, and the candy sound of money registers. And to the Mets, thanks for giving us this annual reminder that within the recreation of life, the Mets will all the time be good for fun. Can’t wait until you ink Grimace with the very same contract!