Former participant and broadcaster Invoice Melton died Thursday morning in Phoenix after a short sickness, the Chicago White Sox introduced. He was 79 years outdated.
Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, Melton signed with the White Sox as a free agent out of highschool in 1964, a yr earlier than MLB carried out the newbie draft. He made his MLB debut in 1968 and rapidly turned one of many crew's most efficient gamers, slashing .255/.326/.433 with 23 house runs in 1969, his first full massive league season.
Melton had the perfect two seasons of his profession in 1970 and 1971, posting a .266/.346/.490 batting line over the 2 years and hitting 33 house runs in every season. His 33 homers in 1971 led the American League and earned Melton his solely profession All-Star Recreation choice. He additionally obtained MVP votes that yr.
From 1968-75, Melton hit .254/.340/.432 with 154 house runs in 976 video games with the White Sox, and people 154 homers remained the franchise file till Harold Baines hit his 155th White Sox homer in 1987. Melton is at the moment ninth within the franchise's all-time listing.
The White Sox traded Melton to the California Angels in December 1975, after which the Angels traded him to Cleveland a yr later. Melton retired after his 1977 season with Cleveland, profession hitting .253/.337/.419 with 1,004 hits and 160 house runs.
Following his enjoying profession, Melton was a preferred pre- and post-game analyst on WGN and Comcast SportsNet Chicago. He additionally labored in group relations with the White Sox.