Following the somber announcement of baseball icon Willie Mays’ passing at the age of 93, Barry Bonds, former San Francisco Giants star and Mays’ godson, shared a profoundly emotional tribute on social media.
Bonds expressed his deep sense of loss and heartache, articulating the immense impact Mays had on his life both personally and professionally.
In his heartfelt post, Bonds conveyed, “I am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion. I have no words to describe what you mean to me—you helped shape me to be who I am today. Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there. Give my dad a hug for me. Rest in peace Willie, I love you forever.”
The bond between Bonds and Mays was not merely familial but also rooted deeply in baseball.
Mays played alongside Barry’s father, Bobby Bonds, on the Giants from 1968 to ’72. Barry, born in 1964, grew up immersed in the baseball world, frequently spending time in the Giants’ clubhouse at Candlestick Park.
These early years allowed him to form a unique connection with Mays, who not only played with his father but also became a mentor and a significant figure in his life. Barry’s experiences of playing catch and shagging balls in the outfield under Mays’ watchful eye were foundational to his own career in baseball.
When the opportunity arose, Mays did not hesitate to accept the role of Barry’s godfather, further cementing their special relationship.
RELATED: MLB Slugger Makes Bold Claim That He’s ‘Better Than Barry Bonds’
Throughout Barry Bonds’ illustrious 22-year career in Major League Baseball, Mays remained a constant presence, offering support and witnessing many of Barry’s career-defining moments. Notably, Mays was present on August 7, 2007, a historic night when Bonds hit his 756th home run, surpassing Hank Aaron to become baseball’s all-time home run king.
Mays also participated in the ceremony at San Francisco in 2018 when Bonds’ No. 25 jersey was retired by the Giants, a testament to his enduring influence and support.
Willie Mays’ legacy as a baseball legend is commemorated not only through his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979 but also through the retirement of his No. 24 jersey by the Giants, displayed proudly alongside Bonds’ No. 25 at Oracle Park.
This physical representation at the park symbolizes the profound and lasting impact both men had on the sport and on each other’s lives, bridging generations of baseball greatness.