Barry Bonds posts emotional message after Willie Mays' death
Barry Bonds was among the first to offer his thoughts following the death of baseball icon Willie Mays, who died Tuesday at 93.
Bonds shared his reaction on social media.
"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," Bonds wrote. "Thank you for being my Godfather and always being there. Give my dad a big hug for me. Rest in peace Willie. I love you forever."
Bonds has a unique relationship with Mays, who was the all-time home run leader's godfather. Mays and Bonds' father, Bobby Bonds, were teammates for several seasons on the San Francisco Giants in the late-1960s, early-70s. Barry Bonds wore No. 24 — Mays' famous jersey number — during his first seven major league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After signing with the Giants in 1993, Mays had given Bonds his blessing to continue to wear No. 24 in San Francisco, despite the number being retired by the franchise. Instead, Bonds wore the number his father wore — No. 25 — while with the Giants. Bobby Bonds died in 2003 at the age of 57.
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When Mays retired, his 660 career home runs were good for third all-time, trailing only Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. Eventually, Mays was passed by his godson — who hit 762 career home runs — and Albert Pujols (703) and Alex Rodriguez (696). Mays was present at AT&T Park (now Oracle Park) when Bonds hit career home run No. 756, passing Aaron on the all-time list.
Mays was to be honored on Thursday as Major League Baseball stages a game at Birmingham's Rickwood Field in Mays' hometown. It is where Mays made his major-league debut with the Birmingham Black Barons one year after Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball's color barrier and three years before debuting for the New York Giants in 1951.
Bonds, meanwhile, is to have a hand in the festivities, as well. Bonds and Derek Jeter are honorary captains for a celebrity softball game to be held at legendary Rickwood Field.