SoDel Concepts holds fourth annual SoDel Summer Softball Showdown

Team Ace of Bases won this year’s SoDel Summer Softball Showdown, a friendly competition among employees of SoDel Concepts. Shown in back are (l-r) Charles Armstrong, Jeff Taylor, DJ Dougherty, Kevin Maull, Penni E'Nama, Dave Inman, Zimri Gomez and Ben Masino. In front are David Kennedy, Emma Ruley, Danielle Panarello, Chris Carmean and Andrew Dickinson. Players not shown include Frank Bufo, Alexa Perez, Colin Berl and Billy Ott. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Team Ace of Bases held steady to win the fourth annual SoDel Summer Softball Showdown July 18 at Sports at the Beach in Georgetown.

The team was one of eight comprising SoDel Concepts employees. Each team of 15 to 20 people played two three-inning games. Then the teams sent two players to the plate for a home run derby. 

Team Ace of Bases had 20 runs, including those scored in the derby, to earn first prize. The winning team was led by captains Danielle Panarello, director of operations at The Clubhouse at Baywood, and Kevin Maull, the banquet manager.

SoDel Concepts employees divided into eight teams to compete at the fourth annual SoDel Summer Softball Showdown.

SoDel Concepts employees divided into eight teams to compete at the fourth annual SoDel Summer Softball Showdown.

“The Softball Showdown is one of my favorite employee events,” said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, which has 10 restaurants in coastal Sussex County, as well as a catering company. 

“Restaurant people can be pretty competitive, and many of our team members are also into sports,” he said. “It made the action fast and fun.”

Other team captains included Mike Dickinson, Doug Ruley, Matt Patton, Shannon Colburn, Ronnie Burkle, Lauren Herlihy and Kris Medford. 

Lizzie Fish sang the national anthem. Guests who threw out the first pitches included Mairead Rishko, Skylar Medford – assisted by Chase Ruley – Emma Ruley, and Connor Hartman.

The game was broadcast on 302Sports.com.

This was SoDel Concepts’ second employee event of the year. The first took place in June at Lefty’s Alley & Eats in Lewes. Employees and their families are also invited to SoDel Movie Day for a 10 a.m. family movie and a midnight showing.

“These events give our team a chance to socialize and relax,” Kammerer said. “They work incredibly hard during the summer season, and we want to reward them.” 

For information about SoDel Concepts, go to sodelconcepts.com.