Paul Harvey

Bill Melton

Jul 06, 1945 - Dec 04, 2024

Pheonix, AZ

Former White Sox player and TV analyst, ‘Beltin’ Bill’ Melton took his last breath at the age of 79. Bill Melton, a longtime third baseman for the Chicago White Sox, became the first Sox player to lead the American League in home runs upon accomplishing the feat in 1971. He was given the nickname “Beltin’ Bill,” and for a good reason; in 1971, he slammed 33 home runs to lead the American League, his 2nd year in line with more than 30 during an era when pitchers reigned the game. While doing so, he became the first White Sox player to lead the league in homers. His talent with the bat was noticeable early. In 1964, he was signed straight out of high school, and he paved his way to his major league debut in 1968. Mr. Melton then settled in at the third base and stayed there for about a decade. Later, in 1969, at the age of 23, Bill led his team in home runs with 23. The following year, he did that again, but this time with 33. Bill’s All-Star season of 1971, during which he led the league in homers, put him on the map as a slugger of the coming times. However, the number of injuries, including two herniated discs, all but stole his strength. He would only surpass 20 home runs twice more in his shining career. Soon after his 1977 season, he retired. For some time, Bill served outside of sports, but he came back to the realm of sports stronger than ever, first in community relations for the White Sox, and then he served as a broadcast analyst. In 2005, he shook hands with Comcast SportsNet Chicago to move forward with his broadcasting career. Bill Melton retired with a total of 160 home runs, and 154 of them were with the White Sox. This reason was good enough to make him his team’s all-time leader.