There is no one quite like Barry Bonds. The former pro baseballer has an awe-inspiring legacy in Major League Baseball that unfortunately remains tainted by his use of steroids in the past. Nevertheless, the player initially known as the son of Bobby Bonds soon gained a reputation of his own, though his father continued to be a guiding light. However, it was his godfather, Willie Mays, whose influence on his life still remains.

Bobby Bonds, unfortunately, passed away in 2003, although he had supported his son throughout his baseball career. Barry Bonds still maintains that he was closer to his mother but his father’s impact on his life is undeniable. And yet, after his passing, it was Mays who did his best to assist his godson. To him, he was family, not a competitor.

Willie Mays Had a Special Gift for Barry Bonds for Surpassing Him

Mays is easily one of the greatest baseballers of all time, second on most all-time lists after only the legendary Babe Ruth. He shares a familial relationship with Bonds, who has openly paid tribute to the veteran player before. Bonds could have easily surpassed Mays if the end of his career hadn’t fizzled out due to controversies. Many already thought of him as the best though, including Mays.

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In his book, Barry Bonds: A Biography, John Bloom details the Home Run King’s personal relationships. On page 124, he discusses how Mays had a special gift for Bonds when he was about to surpass his career HR record. Bloom writes, “Mays, displaying more the pride of a godfather than the jealousy of a competitor, showed reporters a diamond-studded Olympic torch that he had carried to the 1996 Olympics and that he was planning to give Bonds at the moment that his godson surpassed his own career home-run mark of 660.”

“The torch is inscribed with the words “Barry Bonds, no. 25, 660 to 661.” ‘If I have to, I will try to do my best to be there because I’ve got other things to do, but he’s my first priority right now because he needs the help.'”

The love was reciprocated by the godson.

Media Averse Bonds Spoke to the Press About Mays

Bobby Bonds used to play with Mays in their glory days and the two became friends. It was only natural for a relationship between the Bonds and Mays to develop. The ‘Say Hey Kid’ even fought for Barry’s induction into Cooperstown, “On behalf of all the people in San Francisco and all over the country, vote this guy in! It’s very, very important to me.” 

Although that has yet to happen, the usually media-averse Bonds looked past his reluctance and spoke to Nelson George a few years ago. George directed the hot documentary Say Hey, Willie Mays! on the life of the MLB veteran. The Home Run King, who often felt attacked by reporters, only had love for Mays, even though it took him some time to accept the invitation to speak.

Just goes to show some deep relationships are about more than a shared love of the sport!

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