CHICAGO (WLS) — Bill Melton, who spent eight seasons with the Chicago White Sox and was well-known as an analyst, passed away on Thursday, as confirmed by the team.
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Melton, nicknamed Beltin’ Bill, made his major-league debut with the White Sox in May 1968 at 22 years old.
“Many people at the White Sox and throughout the baseball community considered Bill a friend, and his distinctive voice will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Tess, as well as all their loved ones,” expressed White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
Throughout his time in Chicago, Melton was placed 11th among the leaders in the American League for home runs and runs batted in. Presently, his 154 home runs stand at the ninth spot on the team’s historical list.
Melton returned to Chicago in 1992 as a team ambassador and part-time scout.
He worked with basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan following Jordan’s first retirement from the National Basketball Association in 1993, serving as one of his hitting instructors.
In 1998, Melton joined the White Sox television broadcast team as an analyst for the pre-game and postgame shows. He retired in 2020.
Melton died in Phoenix after a brief illness. He was 79 years old.
He is survived by his wife Tess, son Billy, daughter Jennifer, a grandson and many extended family members.
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