Bill Melton, the Chicago White Sox slugger who was also a broadcaster for the team, died Thursday at the age of 79.
Melton, who played for the Sox from 1968 to 1975, became an analyst for pregame and postgame shows for Chicago TV station WGN in 1998. He also appeared on Comcast SportsNet and NBC Sports Chicago until he retired in 2020.
Known as “Beltin’ Bill Melton,” the third baseman led the American League with 33 home runs in 1971. He was also an All Star that season.
Over the course of his MLB career, Melton had a .253 batting average and 160 home runs. After leaving Chicago, he played for the California Angels and the Cleveland team then known as the Indians.
“Bill Melton enjoyed two tremendous careers with the White Sox,” said White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf 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. 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.”
On Twitter, another White Sox slugger turned broadcaster, Frank “Big Hurt” Thomas, said “Bill and I shared many nights in studio talking baseball. He really knew how to light up a room. I loved his humor and stories. When he dropped Laddy on you you knew something funny was coming. God Bless Rest in peace.”
After his playing career ended, Melton returned to Chicago as a team ambassador and part-time scout. When Michael Jordan left the Chicago Bulls to play baseball in 1993, Melton worked with Jordan as a hitting instructor.
Melton is survived by his wife, Tess, son, Billy, daughter, Jennifer, a grandson in addition to many extended family members.
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