As announced by the team, former White Sox slugger and analyst “Beltin'” Bill Melton died this morning at the age of 79. An official statement from the club says he briefly battled an illness before his passing in Phoenix.
Melton spent eight seasons with the White Sox in his 10-year career, making his major league debut on May 4, 1968. During his tenure on the South Side, Melton hit .258/.340/.432 and was an All-Star in 1971. He spent two additional years with the California Angels and Cleveland Indians in 1976 and 1977, respectively.
Melton was the first White Sox player to hit 30 or more home runs in a single season in 1970 and was the first White Sox player to lead the American League in home runs in 1971, finishing with 33 homers in both seasons. He ended his career as the White Sox career home run leader until Harold Baines surpassed him in 1987.
Melton also spent two decades as part of the White Sox’ pregame and postgame team, primarily alongside Chuck Garfien. In 1992, Melton returned to the White Sox as a team ambassador and part-time scout, and in 1998 joined the team’s television broadcast crew as a pregame and postgame analyst on WGN, and later Comcast SportsNet and NBC Sports Chicago before retiring in 2020.
Jerry Reinsdorf released the following statement on Melton’s passing:
“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. 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 is survived by his wife, Tess; his son, Billy; his daughter, Jennifer; a grandson; and many extended family members.
On behalf of Sox On 35th, we would like to send our deepest condolences to all of Melton’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be dearly missed.
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Featured Image: Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien)/X
RIP Mr. Melton…. You were a true gamer. And even better human being.