Every year on July 1st, the New York Mets write the same check to the same player for the same amount. That player is Bobby Bonilla, and the check is for $1,190.28.20, and he’ll get that check every year until 2035 when he’s 72 years old.
Bonilla has been receiving just over double the MLB minimum salary despite not playing in the league since 2001. Because of that each year on July 1st the rest of the league turns towards Citi Field and laughs, and they’re right to do that.
Bonilla first signed with New York in 1992, after two years in Pittsburgh that saw him in the top three in MVP voting.