A beloved figure in Chicago baseball circles leaves behind a legacy that spans both on-field achievements and broadcasting excellence.
According to Newsweek, Bill Melton, the first Chicago White Sox player to lead the American League in home runs and a longtime television analyst, passed away Thursday at age 79 in Phoenix following a brief illness.
Melton's remarkable journey in baseball began when he signed with the White Sox out of Citrus College in Glendora, California, in 1964, during the final year before Major League Baseball implemented its amateur draft.
His eight-year tenure with the White Sox would prove to be transformative for both the player and the franchise, setting numerous milestones along the way.
The Mississippi native quickly established himself as one of baseball's premier power hitters during an era dominated by pitching. From 1969 to 1971, Melton accumulated an impressive 89 home runs, setting new standards for the White Sox organization. His consecutive 33-home run seasons in 1970 and 1971 marked unprecedented achievements for the franchise at that time.
By the time Melton was traded to the California Angels in 1975, he had amassed 154 home runs with the White Sox, holding the franchise's all-time record.
Today, he remains ninth on the club's career home run list. His career would conclude in 1977 with the Cleveland Indians, finishing with a .253 batting average and 160 total home runs across his ten major league seasons.
After his playing days, Melton's connection to baseball and the White Sox continued to flourish. He returned to Chicago in 1992, taking on various roles, including public relations appearances and scouting duties for the organization.
One of Melton's most intriguing post-playing experiences came in 1993 when he was selected to be Michael Jordan's hitting coach during the basketball superstar's brief foray into baseball.
White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf shared his thoughts on Melton's impact:
Bill Melton enjoyed two tremendous careers with the White Sox. 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. Photos of Bill wearing his home run crown and others of him posing with ballpark organist Nancy Faust still generate smiles to this day.
Melton's broadcasting career began in 1998, where he served as an analyst on White Sox pregame and postgame shows. His television work would continue for over two decades, spanning multiple networks, including WGN, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, and NBC Sports Chicago, until 2020.
The impact of Melton's passing resonates deeply within the Chicago baseball community. His contributions to the White Sox organization extended far beyond his playing achievements, as he became a trusted voice and beloved figure among fans through his broadcasting work.
His historic accomplishment as the franchise's first American League home run leader in 1971, combined with his subsequent decades of service to the team, solidified his place in White Sox history. Melton's death on Thursday in Phoenix marks the end of an era for Chicago baseball, leaving behind a legacy that encompasses both athletic excellence and broadcasting expertise.