Don’t get your hopes up. While it would certainly be a respectful nod honoring Mays in this way, other professional sports associates have traditionally not taken this route in recent years. For example, although it has been debated often, the NBA has not retired Michael Jordan’s #23, but the NHL did retire Wayne Gretzky’s #99. The difference is that this was very close after Gretzky’s retirement.
In addition to being a World Series champion, Mays was also a 24-time all-star. His signature #24 was retired by the San Francisco Giants in 1972. This speedy outfielder ended his career with the Mets from 1972-1973. New York retired #24 just two years ago in 2022.
Over the past 40 years of baseball history, many iconic players have sported #24. If the number had been retired, these stars would have had to select something else. Actually, one of them did. Let’s explain.
MLB Legend Willie Mays Wore #24, Here Are Some Others Who Also Have
Willie Mays was the Godfather to Barry Bonds. In Pittsburgh, where Bonds started his career, Bonds opted to honor his Godfather, sporting 24 on his back. However, this obviously had to change when Bonds then played for Mays’ team, the Giants, starting in 1993. Bonds switched to #25.
Staying in the outfield, Ken Griffey Jr. rocked #24 with the Seattle Mariners. To this day, the Mariners blue jersey with 24 prominently placed on the back, and the backwards M’s cap is one of the best baseball poster images around..
In Pittsburgh, where Bonds started his career, Bonds opted to honor his Godfather, sporting 24 on his back. However, this obviously had to change
