Bobby Bonilla‘s son Brandon Bonilla pitched here in Hawaii a couple years ago. He was the closer of the Hawaii Pacific (D2) team that plays right down the street. He was a very good pitcher and ended up getting drafted by Baltimore in the 13th round of the 2016 draft. I was always hoping that his dad would come to a game, and I assumed that he would show up for at least one during his sons senior year. He did not.
I am thinking it would not have mattered anyway.
Bobby Bonilla was on the island a couple weeks ago and would not sign a single autograph. Really nice dude. Just did not sign.
So when I saw this card pop up from a guy who was breaking up his 1990 Bowman set…I jumped on it. It set me back $4. I am pretty happy.
Bonilla was a player that I grew up with, but I did not appreciate until his son played here and I read up on his father’s career.
- Bonilla was never drafted. Out of High School, he went to New York Institute of Technology and it was not until he was in a baseball camp–in Europe–that a Pirates scout noticed him and he was signed.
- He made the majors in 1986 as a Rule 5 pick–one who had yet to advance beyond A-ball. It worked out and he never went back.
- Once in the majors, he stayed for 16 seasons.
- During his peak seasons–which I am calling from 1987 to 1997–he hit .287/.363/.496 and averaged 24 HR a season. Good for an OPS+ of 133.
- He would be selected to six All-Star teams, win three Silver Sluggers and was a member of the 1997 World Series team.
- Despite being a great player he only ever led the league in two categories: doubles in 1991 and games played in 1989.
- He retired with 30.2 WAR to his name and an OPS+ of 124. Not bad.