July 1, 2022 – Orion Innovation (“Orion”), a leading digital transformation and product development services firm, and SimpleNFT today launched The Contract, an NFT commemorating one of the most creative deals in sports history – Major League Baseball Player Bobby Bonilla’s buyout contract from the New York Mets. The unique physical contract signed between the Mets and Bobby Bonilla is now digitalized and available to the public for ownership.
The auction of the digital rights for The Contract and other Bonilla-related NFTs will be from July 20th to August 8th with Goldin Auctions. The series of NFTs includes a “1 of 1” of Bonilla’s physical contract with the New York Mets. Buyers of the NFTs receive various rights and experiences, ranging from attending events with Bonilla to exclusive signed memorabilia. Visit The Contract website for more information.
“Our team is thrilled to have developed the technology to make it easy for sports fans to celebrate Bobby Bonilla Day with their own commemorative piece of The Contract,” said Bryan Goelz, Director US Sports at Orion Innovation. “We used our experience working with some of the world’s largest teams and leagues to create a unique NFT series that involves digital and physical memorabilia. We are excited about the auction!”
In 2000, the Mets agreed to buy out the remaining $5.9 million on Bonilla’s contract. However, instead of paying Bonilla the $5.9 million at the time, the Mets agreed to make annual payments of nearly $1.2 million for 25 years starting July 1, 2011, including a negotiated 8% interest. July 1st is celebrated around major league sports as Bobby Bonilla Day.
“Bobby Bonilla Day reminds everyone of one of the most creative deals in sports,” said Joshua Kusnick, Founder & CEO, SimpleNFT. “I want to thank Bobby, Dennis Gilbert, and Orion for making this collaboration a success and helping give fans a piece of history. Now July 1st truly becomes Bobby Bonilla Day for everyone.”
The Contract series includes:
- Digital combo packs with personalized signed cards
- Signed bats by Bobby Bonilla
- Chance to attend Bobby Bonilla Day 2023 event with Bobby Bonilla
The auction of the digital rights will be held online through Goldin Auctions from July 20th through August 8th. Additionally, the contract will be on display at the National Sports Collectors Convention at the Atlantic City Convention Center from July 27th– July 31st.
About Orion Innovation
Orion Innovation (“Orion”) is a leading digital transformation and product development services firm. Rooted in engineering and design thinking, along with a unique combination of agility, scale and maturity, its team of over 6,000 associates helps Fortune 1000 companies improve efficiencies, enhance customer experiences, and develop new digital offerings. Through its delivery centers in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America, Orion serves clients across Hi-Tech, Telecom, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Financial Services and Healthcare industries. For more information, visit www.orioninc.com.
For more details and availabilities, contact
For SimpleNFT: Will Carroll, [email protected]
For Orion Innovation: Joe LoBello, [email protected]