Every July 1st, baseball fans and internet meme lovers unite for Bobby Bonilla Day memes, celebrating the most entertaining payday in sports history.
Thanks to a wildly creative contract, former MLB player Bobby Bonilla gets paid by the New York Mets every July 1st until 2035. That’s why this quirky holiday trends year after year, and why we’re here for the laughs, the memes, and the sweet, sweet passive income goals.

Top Bobby Bonilla Day Memes
In this post, we’re diving into the funniest Bobby Bonilla Day memes. You’ll find everything from Happy Bobby Bonilla Day classics to ruthless Mets roasts.

Happy Bobby Bonilla Day: The Classic

This is the meme that starts it all. Bonilla grinning while the NY Mets mascot, Mr. Met pays out. Enjoy our payroll memes, though – I wish both of us were on the Mets payroll like Bobby is!
“Better Than My 401K”

This meme hits right in the financial anxiety. Side-by-side shots of Bonilla and a sad piggy bank are paired with lines like “Bobby Bonilla’s retirement plan > mine.” It’s funny because it’s true, and maybe a little too real.
The Mets Regret Meme

Every year, Mets fans are forced to relive the moment they made this deal. It’s part roast, part tradition, and completely deserved.
Bobby Bonilla as a Financial Genius

In this version, Bobby is shown looking like a Wall Street shark or a business guru with quotes like “Bobby Bonilla playing chess while the Mets play checkers.” The internet has fully embraced the idea that Bonilla finessed one of the greatest contracts in history.
Still Getting Paid More Than Me

Bonilla lounging poolside or sipping a drink on a yacht, paired with lines like “Hasn’t played since 2001 but still makes more than me.” This meme is a fan favorite because it’s painfully relatable and hilariously unfair.
If you are seeing this while on the clock, don’t miss our funny work memes collection for some on-the-job jokes (since we didn’t see a $1.9 million deposit hit today.)
Bobby Bonilla Day Explained
Here are the most frequently asked questions, answered about this baseball holiday (or joke!)

What Is Bobby Bonilla Day?
It’s the day Bobby Bonilla cashes a $1.19 million check from the Mets for doing absolutely nothing. Back in 2000, instead of getting a lump sum, Bonilla locked in 25 annual payments with 8 percent interest starting in 2011.
The Mets agreed because they thought their money would grow faster in investments tied to Bernie Madoff. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
Every July 1st, fans celebrate Bobby’s genius and the Mets’ financial misfire. Want the full backstory? ESPN has a deep dive that’s worth the read.
Why does Bobby Bonilla get paid every July 1st?
Bobby Bonilla gets paid every July 1st because the Mets agreed to defer $5.9 million owed to him in 2000, opting instead to pay him approximately $1.19 million each July 1 from 2011 through 2035, with interest added to the total amount.
How much money does Bobby Bonilla receive each year?
Bobby Bonilla receives exactly $1,193,248.20 from the New York Mets every July 1 as part of his deferred compensation deal.
How long will Bobby Bonilla keep getting paid by the Mets?
Bobby Bonilla will continue receiving payments from the New York Mets annually until 2035, totaling 25 years of payments after the first installment in 2011.
Why Bobby Bonilla Day Memes Matter
It’s more than a contract quirk. It’s a moment where sports, money, and internet culture collide.

Bobby Bonilla Day memes gives fans a reason to laugh at a wild financial decision and celebrate the power of playing the long game. These memes keep the story alive and add a fresh spin every year.
Want to enjoy more July humor? Check out our July memes for humor to get you through the entire month.