Metallica serenaded birthday boy Willie Mays at a Giants game

There's a statue of Willie Mays right outside AT&T Park in San Francisco. That's how big Mays looms in Giants lore. 

The baseball icon turned 85 this weekend, and the Giants honored him in style with an assist from some additional Bay Area luminaries.

Friday wasn't just Mays' birthday. It was also "Metallica Night" at AT&T, honoring the Heavy Metal band that's called Northern California home since the mid '80s.  

Mays was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House last year. Credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

Mays was serenaded by Metallica frontman James Hetfield, much to the entire stadium's delight, in the third inning. Here's a look. 

Unfortunately, Hetfied sang "Happy Birthday" for Mays a cappella -- but he and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett did shred a bit on the national anthem before first pitch. Check it out. 

Now let's give this classic a listen. "Enter Sandman" -- stay with me here, it's all going to come full circle soon.

EXXXIIIITTTTTT LIIIIIGHT.

ENTTTTERRRRRRR NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT.

Which brings us to this classic photo Barry Bonds posted to Instagram last July. It shows Mays -- his godfather -- off in never-never land. 

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Bonds later deleted the SUPER WEIRD post, but it lives on forever. Which is what we hope Mays does, too. Happy 85th to the Say Hey Kid. 

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