Mays takes mic to campaign for Bonds’ HOF candidacy

Baseball legend Willie Mays speaks to the crowd during his godson’s Barry Bonds uniform number retirement ceremony before Saturday’s game against the Pirates at AT&T Park.

SAN FRANCISCO – Willie Mays said he doesn’t “do things like this,” but a man who many consider the greatest player in baseball history felt compelled to make an exception.

Mays’ No. 24 jersey was taken out of circulation by the San Francisco Giants long ago, and after a ceremony at AT&T Park Saturday, Barry Bonds’ No. 25 will never appear on another cream home top.

Their numbers now hang together in foul territory down the left-field line, but Mays would like to see Bonds join him in the only exclusive club he doesn’t belong to: The Hall of Fame.

“On behalf of all the people in San Francisco and all over the country, vote this guy in,” Mays said.

The Hall of Fame center fielder and 24-time All-star is Bonds’ godfather, but when offered the opportunity to speak about his relationship with Bonds, Mays devoted most of his time to explaining why Bonds is more like a son.

“I don’t like to do things like this, but the boy that is here today, he’s like my little son,” Mays said. “I’ve had him since he was five years old. His mother said to me, you’ve got this kid. Take him. You take care of him while we’re here in San Francisco.”