Everything Everywhere Daily · Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Bobby Bonilla was once the highest-paid athlete in American sports when he joined the Mets in 1991. Despite his initial promise and a 34-homer season in 1993, his performance declined, leading to clashes with manager Bobby Valentine, including refusing to pinch-hit and playing cards during a crucial playoff game.
“He played almost every day, hit for contact, averaged 25 home runs a year, routinely drove in 100 RBIs, and led the league in doubles. He was one of the best players in baseball when he became a free agent in 1991.”
“The Mets eventually traded Bonilla to the Baltimore Orioles at the 1995 trade deadline.”
“During an extra-inning game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Bonilla refused to go into the game as a pinch hitter. The confrontation between Valentine and Bonilla continued to simmer, reaching a boiling point when during the deciding game of the 1999 National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Bonilla and Ricky Henderson retreated to the clubhouse to play cards rather than watch the game from the dugout.”