Former MLB All-Star and broadcaster Bill Melton dies at 79

Former MLB player and analyst Bill Melton has tragically passed away at the age of 79.

‘Beltin Bill’ played ten seasons in the major leagues, primarily with the Chicago White Sox, before working as an analyst for more than twenty years.

Melton also worked with the White Sox in the early 1990s as a team ambassador and part-time scout, including a stint as a hitting instructor for Michael Jordan in 1993.

He died Thursday in Phoenix after a short illness.

“Bill Melton had two great 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.

“Bill’s second career came as a beloved and respected pre- and post-game television analyst, where Sox fans saw his passion for the team every night, win or lose.”

According to the Chicago Sun Times, Melton is survived by his wife Tess, his son Billy, his daughter Jennifer and his grandson.

“Beltin’ Bill” led the American League with 33 home runs in 1971 and held the club’s career record until 1987 with his 154 home runs from 1968-75.

After one season each with the then-California Angels and then-Cleveland Indians, Melton retired with a .253 batting average, 160 home runs and 591 RBIs in 1,144 games.

Melton became a White Sox television analyst at WGN in 1998. He joined Comcast SportsNet Chicago in 2005 in a similar role and continued broadcasting until his retirement in 2020.

“Bill was a friend to many at the White Sox and around baseball, and his booming voice will be missed. Our condolences go out to his wife Tess and all their family and friends,” Reinsdorf added.