White Sox Legend Bill Melton Dies at 79

The former All-Star slugger and longtime broadcaster passed away in Phoenix after a brief illness.

Bill Melton, nicknamed 'Beltin' Bill,' was the first Chicago White Sox player to lead the American League in home runs, achieving the title in 1971 with 33 homers.
He played eight of his 10 MLB seasons with the White Sox, retiring in 1977 with 160 career home runs and a .253 batting average.
After his playing career, Melton became a beloved pregame and postgame television analyst for the White Sox from 1998 to 2020.
Melton also briefly served as a hitting instructor for Michael Jordan during the basketball legend’s attempt to play professional baseball in 1993.
He is remembered for his passion for the White Sox, both on the field and in the broadcast booth, and is survived by his wife Tess, two children, and a grandson.