Betty Jane Cornett

Betty Jane Cornett
(Curly)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 5", Weight 125 lb.
• High School St. Ambrose High School, St. Mary's High School, Latimer High School, Allegheny High School
• Born November 24, 1932 in Pittsburgh, PA USA
• Died March 18, 2006 in Reserve, PA USA

Biographical Information

The youngest of 11 children, Betty Jane Cornett was a multi-talented athlete in her youth, ice skating, swimming and playing softball, basketball and baseball. At the age of 16, she left her home to try out for the AAGPBL. After a brief spell with the Rockford Peaches (there is no record of her entering a game), she played for the traveling development team, the Springfield Sallies, batting .205/~.276/.245 at third base. In 1951 she played for the Battle Creek Belles and Kalamazoo Lassies, hitting just .132/~.250/.149 and fielding .859. She also pitched two games, going 0-1 with a 11.26 ERA and allowing 15 runs and 12 walks in 8 innings. She recalls the highlight of her career as playing in Yankee Stadium. She played for amateur teams for years after her professional career ended. After retiring from baseball, she worked for the H.J. Heinz company for 24 years. Her mitt, cap, cleats and baseball card were posted for display in the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the Heinz History Center.

Sources: 3/25/06 obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The AAGPBL Record Book by W.C. Madden