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Chicago White Sox All-Star third baseman and broadcaster Bill Melton died Thursday in Phoenix after a brief illness. He was 79.

“Beltin’ Bill” led the American League with 33 home runs in 1971 and held the club’s career record until 1987 with his 154 homers from 1968-75.

After one season each with the then-California Angels and then-Cleveland Indians, Melton retired with a .253 batting average, 160 home runs and 591 RBIs in 1,144 games.

Melton became a White Sox television analyst with WGN in 1998. He joined Comcast SportsNet Chicago in 2005 in a similar role and continued broadcasting until his retirement in 2020.

“Bill Melton enjoyed two tremendous careers with the White Sox,” team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said. “His first came as a celebrated home run king for White Sox teams in the early 1970s, where ‘Beltin Bill’ brought power to a franchise that played its home games in a pitcher-friendly ballpark.

“… Bill’s second career came as a well-liked and respected pre- and postgame television analyst, where on a nightly basis 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 all of their family and friends.”

Melton worked with the White Sox as a team ambassador and part-time scout during the early 1990s, including a stint as a hitting instructor for NBA legend Michael Jordan in 1993.

Melton is survived by his wife; son Billy; daughter Jennifer; a grandson; and many extended family members.

–Field Level Media