a melancholy note

Bill Melton, one of just two Mississippi natives to win a home run crown in the majors, has died at the age of 79. Melton was born in Gulfport in 1945 while his father, who was in the Navy, was stationed on the Coast. The family moved to California, and Melton was signed by the Chicago White Sox out of a rec league, per a SABR story. He made his big league debut in 1968. The right-handed hitting third baseman/outfielder slugged 33 homers for the White Sox in 1971 to lead the American League. (Greenville native George Scott tied for the AL homer title in 1975 when he hit 36 for Milwaukee.) Melton, a .253 career hitter, suffered a back injury in 1972 and wasn’t quite the same hitter thereafter. He left Chicago in 1976 as the franchise’s all-time home run leader with 154. He retired after the ’77 season with 160, which ranks ninth among Mississippi-born players on the career list. Melton was a popular broadcaster for the ChiSox for many years after his playing days. “Bill was a friend to many at the White Sox and around baseball, and his booming voice will be missed,” owner Jerry Reinsdorf said in a release by the club.