Chicago White Sox legend Bill Melton died early Thursday morning at the age of 79. He died in Phoenix, Arizona after a brief illness.

A 10-year veteran, he spent eight years with the White Sox, making the All-Star Game in 1971. Lifetime, he was a .253 hitter with 160 home runs and 591 RBIs. He also finished 13th in MVP voting in 1971.

The White Sox issued a lengthy press release Thursday afternoon highlighting his career.

Melton recorded 33 consecutive home run seasons in 1970-71, becoming the first White Sox player to hit more than 30 home runs in a single season in 1970 and the first Sox player to lead the AL in home runs in 1971. Sox players to have ever led the AL in home runs in a single season, Melton was the franchise’s career home run leader until he was passed by the Hall of Famer Harold Baines in 1987.

In addition to his playing career, he also worked on White Sox television broadcasts after playing. He even served as a hitting instructor for Michael Jordan when he turned to baseball in 1993.

“Bill Melton had two tremendous careers with the White Sox,” said White Sox President Jerry Reinsdorf. “His first success came as the famous home run king for the White Sox teams in the early 1970s, when “Beltin Bill” brought power to a franchise that played its home games in a friendly ballpark . Photos of Bill wearing his home run crown and others of him posing with organist Nancy Faust still elicit smiles to this day. Bill’s second career was spent as a highly regarded and respected pre- and post-game television analyst, where every night Sox fans saw his passion for the team, win or lose. Bill was a friend to many at the White Sox and around baseball, and his booming voice will be missed. Our sympathies go out to his wife Tess, and to all their family and friends.”

We do not yet know what White Sox will do to honor Melton during the 2025 season, but there will probably be something. We will keep you updated when we know more.

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