Former Chicago White Sox player and broadcaster Bill Melton has died at the age of 79 following a brief illness, the team confirmed Thursday.
Melton made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 1968 and earned the nickname “Beltin’ Bill” Melton for his prodigious power and penchant for driving in clutch RBIs.
Bill Melton, who played 10 seasons in the major leagues, including eight with the White Sox, and was a popular pre- and postgame analyst for White Sox television broadcasts for more than two decades, has died early this morning in Phoenix after a brief illness. He was 79 years old. pic.twitter.com/I5A81Zd8No
– Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) December 5, 2024
“Bill Melton had two tremendous careers with the White Sox,” White Sox President Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “His first success came as the famous home run king for the White Sox teams in the early 1970s, when “Beltin Bill” brought power to a franchise that played its home games in a friendly ballpark . Photos of Bill wearing his home run crown and others of him posing with organist Nancy Faust still elicit smiles to this day. Bill’s second career was spent as a highly regarded and respected pre- and post-game television analyst, where every night 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 to all their family and friends.”
In 10 MLB seasons, primarily with the White Sox, Melton hit 160 career home runs and produced 591 RBIs. He was the White Sox leader in career home runs before being surpassed by Harold Baines, with two consecutive 30-plus home run seasons and three 80-plus RBI seasons with the South Siders.
Melton became the first player to hit 30 or more home runs for the White Sox in a single season when he accomplished the feat in 1970.
He was an All-Star in the 1971 season for Chicago and received MVP votes for the first time in his MLB career.
After his playing career ended, Melton served as an analyst on White Sox broadcasts for more than two decades, including his career at NBC Sports Chicago. That run included the team’s 2005 World Series championship, with Melton becoming a beloved figure on the broadcasts with his characteristic direct style in discussing the ups and downs of each game.
Melton is survived by his wife, Tess and his children Billy and Jennifer.
