White Sox icon ‘Beltin’ Bill Melton dies at 79
The MLB community is mourning as Chicago White Sox great Bill Melton has died at 79 years old. The third baseman and outfielder, who spent the majority of his career with the White Sox, had reportedly been battling an illness before his death on Thursday. He is survived by his wife Tess and his children Billy and Jennifer.
Known as "Beltin" Bill Melton, the former All-Star spent eight of this 10 MLB seasons with the Chicago White Sox. It is a devastating loss for the Chicago sports scene as not only did Melton serve as a member of the club from 1968 to 1975, but following his retirement as a player, he took his talents to television.
Modern White Sox fans may know Melton better as a baseball analyst for the club for more than two decades. Melton was a White Sox icon through and through given his connection to the franchise as a player, coach and broadcaster.
Throughout his playing career, Melton became known for his ability to launch baseballs deep over the fence, even becoming the all-time home run leader for the Chicago White Sox until he was passed by Harold Baines. Through 10 seasons in the MLB, Melton posted a solid .253 batting average with 160 home runs, 591 RBIs and 1,004 hits.
Although he only earned one All-Star selection in 1971, he led the American League with 33 home runs. His presence will be sorely missed by everyone who he impacted throughout his lifelong career in professional baseball.
Bill Melton helped Michael Jordan prepare for his jump from the NBA to professional baseball
While Melton will always be remembered for his contributions on the field as a home run kingpin, as well as being a relatable voice during pre and postgame shows, there is another interesting connection between the White Sox and the late infielder.
Years after his retirement as a player, Melton was brought back into the fold by the front office to help train one of the team's most hyped players: Michael Jordan. The Chicago Bulls legend made the jump from the NBA to MLB, joining the Chicago White Sox organization in 1994.
Melton said that Jordan would have been an intriguing college player had he chosen baseball. Even though the NBA Hall of Famer was able to get to fastballs, Melton helped him adjust to offspeed pitches, while also reportedly helping him with the baseball lingo before going to Spring Training.