Softball Tourney, Home Run Derby Held For Man Killed In OKC Brawl

Hundreds played in a memorial softball tournament to benefit the family of Ricky Betancur, who was killed two weeks ago.

Saturday, May 3rd 2014, 7:30 pm

By: News 9

Softball Tourney, Home Run Derby Held For Man Killed In OKC Brawl

Hundreds played in a memorial softball tournament to benefit the family of Ricky Betancur, who was killed two weeks ago.

Police say Betancur was hit in the head with a baseball bat. Eric Noyola is charged with First-Degree Murder.

Savannah Betancur told News 9 she still cannot believe what happened to her husband when a brawl broke out at in the parking lot of the Boomer Sports Complex. Betancur went to the hospital, his condition quickly deteriorated. He eventually died from the head injury.

"When I saw him for the first time it was like a punch to the stomach. It was hard seeing him that way," said Savannah Betancur. "I couldn't have asked for a better daddy or husband. He was an amazing person. It's just unfair."

Hundreds of softball players were back at the same fields on Saturday playing for Betancur.

"He's such a fun-loving, would do anything for anybody. So everybody felt compelled. It was such a tragedy, such just a life taken too early," said Betancur's friend Missy Shipley.

Funeral and medical bills are starting to pile up for Betancur who is now raising her young boys on her own, which is why all of the players showed up. They were there to raise money for Betancur's family and remember their friend.

"Softball was his life…outside of his kids and his wife. If he had free time he was playing ball with friend," said Shipley. "We're all playing for Ricky today so it's bitter sweet."

Savannah Betancur said she was blown away by all the support shown at the tournament today.

"All I can just say is thank you very much, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Shipley told News 9 that the proceeds from the tournament would go directly toward a trust fund for Betancur's boys and towards paying for funeral and medical expenses.