The San Francisco Giants didn’t just remember a legend on June 18- they felt the weight of a year without him. It marked the first death anniversary of Willie Mays, one of the greatest hitters the game has ever seen. His absence still echoes through the ballpark, leaving behind a legacy that feels impossible to replace. But, someone close to Mays is ready to carry that torch- someone who knew him better than most and has the Giants running through his blood. Yes, none other than Barry Bonds.

For Barry Bonds, Mays wasn’t just a mentor- he was his godfather. Someone who guided him throughout his journey in the organization. Bonds had earlier revealed that Mays was the reason he returned to MLB after his retirement, taking up the role of Marlins’ hitting coach in 2015. And now, when the Giants- his old home- need a legend’s guidance, there’s no way he’s sitting back and ignoring that call.

The 60-year-old has served as a special advisor to the Giants’ CEO since 2017, and lately, he’s been showing up more frequently on the field. When asked about carrying the legacy of Mays during his remembrance week, Bonds had an emotional response.

“I don’t know about saying carrying the torch,” he said during an interview on KNBR radio. “I’m going to hang on to it with him… It’s me now saying, what would he do in this situation? What would he want me to do in this situation? He would want me at the ballpark all the time,  he would want me to help the guys all the time, he would want me to give back to this organization all the time. So that’s what I do,” he added.

Bonds knows exactly the kind of shoes he’s stepping into. For him, Mays was always a father figure. “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,” he wrote on X when Mays passed away last year.

Mays had been a vocal supporter of Bonds, especially when it came to his long-denied Hall of Fame entry. Now, as Bonds steps back into a more visible role with the Giants, the players have a living legend to lean on. And that includes Rafael Devers, the newest addition to the team, if only he finds the voice to ask for help.

Bonds could guide Devers’ Giants journey

The first week in San Francisco has been treating Devers well. He’s already showing signs of settling in and taking pride in wearing the Giants uniform. And he’s had the chance to meet Barry Bonds. Starstruck by one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, Devers even shared his first presser alongside Bonds.

Now, a rare opportunity awaits Devers: learning from a fellow left-handed slugger who used to be every pitcher’s nightmare. “I haven’t had the courage to talk to him,” the 28-year-old said on Tuesday when Chris Cotillo of MassLive asked him about receiving advice from Bonds.

Well, Devers is definitely looking forward to learning the culture of San Francisco. After an ugly breakup with the Red Sox– the only home he had known his entire career- the Giants are now his new home. And with legends like Bonds and Buster Posey around to support him, he might just find the mentorship he needs.

Bonds could become for Devers what Mays was for him- but only if Devers can muster the courage to let him in.