Bill Melton Then and Now

Bill Melton played for the Chicago White Sox from 1968 through 1975.  "Beltin' Bill" slugged 33 home runs in 1970 and 1971, leading the American League in 1971.

He was traded to the California Angels for Jim Spencer and Morris Nettles after the 1975 season.  It was a sad day for me as a young White Sox fan.

This picture represents what is missing from sports today.  When I was a kid, I could always count on Melton and third.  He wasn't the greatest, but he was very good and he was ours.  Year after year, Melton manned third base.

After Melton left, we had a revolving door of Kevin Bell, Junior Moore, Eric Soderholm, Greg Pryor, Jim Morrison and on.  This continued pretty much until Robin Ventura came along and brought some stability.

Getting up on my old man soap box, I long for the days of player stability.  Free agency and contracts make rosters turn over in large numbers every year.  It wasn't perfect back in my day, but it was familiar.  It was comforting to see Melton there every time.

This picture also represents me meeting one of the very first athletes I ever remember.  Back in the early 70's, I never imagined I would someday meet Melton.  I also had the pleasure of talking to him at length and interviewing him.

Melton was and is a class act.  As I said to him that day, I thank him for the memories!

Bill Melton and me in Morton Grove, IL-

Friendly Encounters:AU Sports Meets Bill Melton

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebs.  If you have any pictures of your own with any celebrity of any sort, I'd be happy to feature you here, too!

Bill Melton was one of the first players I ever remember.  Melton was a fixture at 3rd base for the White Sox from my first game through 1975.  Many years later, he rejoined the Sox as an analyst and ambassador.  There is something very comforting with Melton back here.  It's like reliving a good part of my childhood.
Speaking of reliving my childhood, every time I step into AU Sports, I feel like I did so many years ago when I would but a pack of baseball cards from the corner store.
Recently, these two forces of nostalgia came together for a wonderful afternoon.  Melton appeared in the store to sign autographs and tell baseball stories.  It was awesome to hear memories of Eddie Leon, Bart Johnson, Dick Allen and more.  I felt like a kid again.  Melton even hung around longer than expected and we all appreciated it.
What could be better than an afternoon of talking baseball with Melton at AU Sports?  Well, actually, talking baseball with Melton at the new location of AU Sports.  The legendary card store has moved into a bigger and better location.  Now located in Morton Grove (IL), Scott plans on having more guests like Melton.  When he does, I will be there to report on the day and to hurdle myself back in time to my pack-buying days.

Frank Caputo, Bill Melton, Scott Beatty and Brian O in Niles, IL-April 2012.