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

Mays’ No. 24 jersey was taken out of circulation by the Giants long ago, and after a ceremony Saturday at AT&T Park, Barry Bonds’ No. 25 will never be worn again.

Now Mays would like to see Bonds join him in a very exclusive club: the Hall of Fame.

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

As Bonds’ mother Pat looked on, Mays walked to the podium in front of the plate and delivered a simple message. Mays expects to see Bonds in Cooperstown.

“Let him have the honor,” Mays said. “I want his kids to say, ‘That’s my daddy over there.’ When people talk about who the best ballplayer in the world is, I don’t care. Give somebody that honor that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”

In his sixth year on the ballot, Bonds received 56.4 percent of the vote, which is his highest percentage yet. But to earn a spot in the Hall of Fame, retired players are required to have boxes checked on 75 percent of ballots.

Bonds has been hurt by assumptions that he used performance-enhancing drugs. His name will remain on the ballot for four more years.

Giants Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey and Gaylord Perry also took part in the festivities. Former managers Jim Leyland and Dusty Baker and current Giants skipper Bruce Bochy also were there.

Associated Press contributed.