Bill Melton, who played 10 seasons in the major leagues, including eight with the White Sox, and served as a pre and postgame analyst on Sox telecasts for more than two decades, died early Thursday in Phoenix after a brief illness. Melton was 79.
“Bill Melton enjoyed two tremendous careers with the White Sox,” White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “His first came as a celebrated home run king for White Sox teams in the early 1970s, where ‘Beltin Bill’ brought power to a franchise that played its home games in a pitcher-friendly ballpark.”
Melton, a third baseman, was the first player to hit 30 homers in a season in 1970 and recorded 33-homer seasons in 1970-71. He was the first Sox player to lead the AL in homers in 1971, when he was an AL All-Star.
Melton debuted with the Sox in May, 1968. He batted .253/.337/.419 with160 home runs over 10 seasons with the Sox (1968-75), Angels (1976) and Indians (1977).
“Photos of Bill wearing his home run crown and others of him posing with ballpark organist Nancy Faust still generate smiles to this day,” Reinsdorf said. “Bill’s second career came as a well-liked and respected pre and postgame television analyst, where on a nightly basis Sox fans saw his passion for the team, win or lose. Bill was a friend to many at the White Sox and around baseball, and his booming voice will be missed. Our sympathies go out to his wife Tess, and all of their family and friends.”
Melton remained popular and beloved beyond his playing days.
“Very sad,” former Channel 5 broadcaster Mark Giangreco posted on social media. “What a character. Loved hanging out with that bigger than life, old school baseball star and his no nonsense TV analysis.”
Melton is survived by his wife, Tess, son, Billy, daughter, Jennifer, a grandson and many extended family members.