Barry Bonds speaks on death of his godfather Willie Mays in social media post

Jul 8, 2017; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants former outfielder Barry Bonds looks on prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Barry Bonds is paying tribute to his late godfather Willie Mays in a post to social media.

The sad news broke on Tuesday that the legendary 24-time MLB All-Star Mays had died at the age of 93. On top of being one of the greatest baseball players ever, Mays was also the godfather of the all-time MLB home runs leader Bonds.

In a post to his Instagram page, Bonds spoke out on the death of Mays.

“I am beyond devastated and overcome with emotion,” wrote Bonds. “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. #SayHey”

Mays was very close with Barry’s father Bobby, acting as a mentor to Bobby and later becoming teammates with him on the San Francisco Giants from 1968-72. When Barry was born in 1964, Mays was selected as his godfather. Mays also shared a very close relationship with Barry, especially after Bobby died of cancer in 2003. Mays was present for numerous milestones by Barry, including his record-breaking 756th home run in 2007 and his eventual jersey retirement by the Giants in 2018. The two shared many funny heartwarming moments over the years too .

The seven-time NL MVP Bonds was far from the only notable sports figure to pay tribute to Mays on Tuesday. Countless others took to social media to pay their respects as well .

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