[3] Melton's production declined in 1972 after he missed most of the season with two herniated discs resulting from trying to break his son's fall from their garage roof.
Melton especially drew the ire of White Sox broadcaster Harry Caray, who often railed against Beltin' Bill for his fielding problems.
On December 11, 1975 Melton was traded along with Steve Dunning from the White Sox to the California Angels for Jim Spencer and Morris Nettles.
[4] Following the 1976 season, he was traded again, this time to the Cleveland Indians, for a player to be named later (ultimately relief pitcher Stan Perzanowski) and cash.
[7] After working with his father manufacturing skateboard wheels and becoming a real estate agent following retirement, Melton took a position as a community relations representative and part-time scout for the White Sox in 1992.
The next year, Melton was asked by White Sox GM Ron Schueler to work with NBA superstar Michael Jordan on his batting swing.