RIP Bill Melton

Underrated slugger of his time.

That's what's great about MLB. History. Melton is a guy I barely remember. But I do remember his name. Not his achievements, just his name. When Josh Bell passes in 60 years, most will say, "Josh who?" But someone (perhaps ScumbyJr Jr.) on these boards may recall a vague memory from their youth about Josh and nominate his 2019 season for inclusion. Down the decades we go.....

I remember Melton. I "revisited" his career on baseball reference. Topped .800 OPS 3 times. Let AL in HR's in 1971. RIP Bill Melton.

Crazy that with a long, storied franchise like the White Sox, he was the very first person to hit 30 HR's in 1971, in the 70th year of the franchise's existence and was their all time HR leader (with 154) until a little guy named Frank Thomas came along 20 years later.

He was still playing 3b for the White Sox when I came to Chicago in 1974, and he did their pre and post game shows for many years starting in the 90s. His 1971 card is very usable at $80M in a Minute Maid type park. RIP Bill.

He was still playing 3b for the White Sox when I came to Chicago in 1974, and he did their pre and post game shows for many years starting in the 90s. His 1971 card is very usable at $80M in a Minute Maid type park. RIP Bill.

I seem to recall he had back problems which shortened his career.