Tanner Scott is a hard-throwing left-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball, recognized for his high-velocity fastball and effective slider.
Now playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tanner’s journey to the big leagues started in a close-knit family in Ohio.
His parents, Bette and Rodney Scott, played a big role in shaping him and his brother into successful athletes.
Even though Bette and Rodney are no longer together, they’ve stayed united in supporting their sons.
Tanner Scott was born on July 22, 1994, in Warren, Ohio. He grew up in a family where sports were a big part of daily life.
His parents, Bette and Rodney Scott, raised two boys: Tanner and his older brother, Tyler.
Bette, originally from Warren, Ohio, attended Howland High School and later studied at Youngstown State University.
Tanner often describes her as the true athlete of the family.
Bette encouraged both her sons to try different sports from a young age, fostering their love for competition and hard work.
Rodney Scott, Tanner’s father, grew up nearby and attended Niles High School.
Both parents were athletes themselves during their high school days, Rodney at Niles and Bette at Howland, which Tanner credits for the “good genes” that helped him and Tyler excel.
Rodney has spoken openly about how proud he is of his boys. In one interview, he said,
“It’s been a great ride. I would’ve never thought in my wildest dreams that both boys would do so well. They’re both very good academically, but I would have never thought this.”
Via tribtoday
He also reflected on their blessings, noting,
“I’ve been blessed. Their mother and I, even though we’re not together, we know we’re both very blessed. So many of us don’t want to do anything, or you want to do something and you just don’t get the courage to do it. My boys, they’re living a dream.”
Via tribtoday
The family instilled values such as perseverance, education, and athletics. Tanner and Tyler both thrived in school and sports, thanks to this foundation.
Howland Township, where the boys grew up, provided a supportive community. Tanner graduated from Howland High School in 2012, following in his brother’s footsteps.
After Parting Ways with Rodney, Bette Found Love Again
She married Daniel Apitz on November 3, 1993. Daniel hails from Suffield, Ohio, where he attended Field High School.
He went on to study at Malone University and built a career at Dominion Energy. Bette’s role as a motivator didn’t stop with her sons’ early years.
Tanner has shared how her athletic background inspired him to push his limits, especially in baseball.
She wasn’t just a cheerleader; she actively guided them toward diverse sports experiences, which helped Tanner develop his skills as a versatile player.
Bette’s influence shows in how both sons pursued high-level athletics. Her time at Youngstown State University likely reinforced her belief in striking a balance between education and extracurricular activities.
Today, she remains a key figure in Tanner’s life, celebrating his achievements from afar.
Whereas Rodney Scott, whose early life is not publicly available, has been vocal about the joy of watching his sons succeed.
As a former high school athlete, he understood the dedication required for sports. He worked to instill courage and ambition in Tanner and Tyler.
Rodney’s quotes highlight the unexpected heights his family has reached. He often credits the blend of good genes and strong values that he and Bette provided.
Beyond sports, Rodney emphasized academics. Both boys were strong students, which opened doors to college opportunities.
His reflections reveal a humble gratitude for how things turned out, especially since professional sports weren’t something he had initially envisioned for them.
Tanner isn’t the only success story in the family. His brother Tyler graduated from Howland High School in 2009.
He had an impressive college career at Northwestern University, where he played as both a defensive end and a linebacker.
After college, Tyler signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent, showcasing the family’s athletic talent.
Though his NFL journey was brief, it added to the Scott family’s legacy of determination.
Tanner and Tyler’s close relationship, nurtured by their parents, has been a source of mutual support throughout their careers.
Tanner’s Path Mirrors the Work Ethic his Parents Taught Him
After high school, he played college baseball at Notre Dame College in 2013 and then at Howard College in 2014.
His professional career kicked off when he signed with the Baltimore Orioles on June 26, 2014.
He made his debut with the Gulf Coast Orioles, posting a 1-5 record with a 6.26 earned run average over 10 games. It was a humble start, but Tanner’s raw talent shone through.
Over the years, he climbed the ranks. In April 2022, he was traded to the Miami Marlins, where he honed his skills as a reliever.
By 2024, another trade sent him to the San Diego Padres. Then, in 2025, Tanner signed a lucrative four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top closers.
His fastball, often clocking over 100 mph, and his sharp slider have made him a fan favorite.
Throughout his career, Tanner has acknowledged that his parents’ encouragement kept him going, even during his tough days in the minor leagues.
Tanner’s story shows resilience from Ohio’s Mahoning Valley. His parents, Bette and Rodney, co-parent effectively despite separation, and family gatherings remain positive and focused on the kids.
In the end, Tanner Scott’s parents, Bette and Rodney, deserve credit for raising two driven sons.
Their athletic backgrounds, combined with continuous support, laid the groundwork for Tanner’s MLB success.
As he continues to dominate on the mound for the Dodgers, it’s clear the Scott family legacy is one of triumph, teamwork, and living out those wildest dreams.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Tanner Scott, the Major League Baseball player, is married to Maddie and has a son named Beau Scott.Â
