- February 12, 2026
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Five picnic tables sat on the trodden grass bordering Visible Men Academy’s playground. At each of them sat groups of students with their eyes fixated on Bobby Bonilla.
They had questions for the former MLB player. He called on their raised hands one by one, happily responding to all sorts of inquiries.
Some were unsure of what sport he played. Some asked if he competed alongside Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. One student challenged him to a one-on-one pickup game of basketball.
He gave as many answers as he could, but also fielded a question from an adult in attendance about the biggest piece of advice he would give for succeeding in life.
“Learn to listen,” Bonilla said.
That was the message he conveyed to a crowd of elementary-age boys at the conclusion of their school day on another sunny afternoon in Bradenton.
The 16-year veteran of the majors, retired since 2001 and now living in Sarasota, visited the tuition-free, public charter school Feb. 6 to be honored as a “Visible Man of the Month.”
“He exemplifies all of the character traits that we teach here, and to follow your dreams,” said principal Tami Stearns. “Anything can happen, just be an outstanding person in your community.”
Visible Men Academy has primarily served low-income, minority boys in grades K-5 since opening its doors in 2013. At the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, it had a total enrollment of 40, including some homeless students.
February marks the third month of the initiative, which seeks to provide students with examples of people in their community and beyond who embody the school’s SHINE values — selflessness, honesty, integrity, niceness and excellence.
“This felt like the right time because our students are forming habits, attitudes and beliefs about themselves,” said Jovan Hemenez, director of development and community engagement. “So introducing positive male role models now helps reinforce both academic and character expectations we are setting in the classroom.”
Previously, the school honored Brian Roberts and Ed Swan in January, as well as Dr. Hakim Morsli and Dr. Michael Weir in December. Roberts was a longtime major-leaguer in his own right, having played 14 seasons in 2001-14 largely with the Baltimore Orioles.
Bonilla wasn’t the boys’ first up-close look at a former professional athlete. They’ve now met two who were both All-Stars at multiple points of their respective careers.
In the months ahead, Visible Men Academy plans to welcome more accomplished men — especially men of color.
“Our boys deserve it,” Stearns said. “It’s good for them to see people who look like they do, who are successful, who are surrounded by the same values that we have.”
Bonilla raked in accolades throughout his playing days. He was a 1997 World Series champion with the then-Florida Marlins, six-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger. His career ended as a .279 hitter with 287 home runs and 1,173 RBIs.
The Bronx, New York, native spent stints with eight different teams, but thrived most with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1988-91. He finished top-three in National League MVP voting for the latter two seasons and was selected to the All-Star Game for all four.
Much of his life was dedicated to the game. Over 7,000 times, he stepped into the batter’s box, staring down the pitcher and looking to get on base.
Now at 62 years old — in his 26th year of retirement — he gazed upon a group of young boys through his black tinted sunglasses, prepared to share his story.
“I happen to have a wife (Christina Solomon-Bonilla) who is so passionate about this type of stuff,” Bonilla said. “I’m a little bit more quiet and reserved, but she gets me out there, and I love doing it.”
Once the Q and A came to a close, he gestured toward a table lined with baseball gloves of various colors and sizes. He told the students they’d each be taking one home, courtesy of Pitch In For Baseball and Softball, a non-profit that provides equipment for underprivileged youth.
Every student walked up to the table and searched for their best fit. Bonilla teamed up with school administrators and teachers to help them through the process. While some of the boys knew their way around a glove, it was a first-time feel for others.
Soon enough, though, all of them formed lines opposite their throwing partners, learning to play catch with brand-new or gently used leather on their hands.
“They should be out here, smiling and having a great time. All I see is smiles,” Bonilla said. “They don’t care about anything right now but catching the baseball. What’s better than that?”
Administrators and teachers alike at Visible Men Academy noticed a positive response to Bonilla’s presence. That didn’t surprise them.
Regardless of whether the honoree has been a COO for a STEM-based foundation, retired investment banker, cardiologist or former MLB player, the boys have been intrigued.
“The students have been enthusiastic. They’ve been excited,” Hemenez said. “They love when we bring somebody because it shows them that people more than just their teachers and the school staff care about them and their success in the future.”
Bonilla was presented with a certificate and trophy at the conclusion of his visit to commemorate the day’s honor. But that wasn’t the only gift he left with.
The students had prepared a speech of gratitude for him as well. They spoke it in unison — loud and proud — and promptly put a smile on his face.
“What you want to leave them with is that people care,” Bonilla said. “I don’t want them to ever think that people don’t.”
