The Bettis Family

The Bettis family contribution to the Shawnee County Amateur Baseball Association (SCABA) is best described as a labor of love. A key force in the establishment of SCABA, George Bettis worked tirelessly to grow the association in a way that met the needs of all youth, including his three sons Terry, Duane and Kim.

George received recognition for his work when named “Mr. Baseball of Topeka” in 1965 by the Topeka Baseball Federation. His son Terry went on to become a star player for Washburn University and played professional baseball.

George was on the SCABA Board of Directors and served as treasurer. He helped build three diamonds and worked to get lights on the fields, often putting time in past midnight. And when the lights weren’t good enough, he purchased orange baseballs to improve kids’ fielding skills. His wife Mary helped run and manage concessions and daughter Cheryl helped in concessions operations.

It’s widely known that George represents the unselfish spirit of all those who shared in the vision and made the effort to build SCABA. Three Bettis generations have since followed in George’s footsteps.

It was with great appreciation that the Parks For All Foundation and the Board of County Commissioners dedicated the Bettis Family Sports Complex in memory of George Bettis, in honor of Terry Bettis and the entire Bettis family.