Daily Times, In The Community: Andy Zakorchemny receives Degenstein Award from ASA of PA

By HARRY CHAYKUN

Andy Zakorchemny, longtime Fundamental Evangelical Softball League (FESL) commissioner, recently was presented the 2020 Degenstein Award by ASA Softball of Pennsylvania. The award goes to a person or group of people for dedication and support of the sport of softball in the state.

The presentation marked the third time in five years that the recipient was from Delaware County's District 6. In 2016, Penn-Del Over-50 Modified League commissioner Jim Moore was honored, and in 2017, The Stanley Kup Inn team from the Penn-Del Over-50 Modified League took home the award.

"I started playing men's softball in 1978 at the age of 15 when Woodlyn Baptist Church started its team in the Delco Church League," Zakorchemny said. "My first year as coach of the Woodlyn team was 1983, and we joined the Fundamental Evangelical Softball League in 1986. In 1996, I became commissioner of the FESL."

Zakorchemny was an infielder early in his playing days and has been pitching for more than 20 years. He also has played in the Marcus Hook League, was a player/coach in the Father Nall League, played in a co-ed league in Delaware and coached the Defenders team in the Cornerstone Women's Slow Pitch League from 2003-2012, compiling a 110-5 record.

His Woodlyn Baptist teams have a 621-244 record, won 10 playoff championships and were runners-up nine times.

"I've been blessed to have great players over the years," Zakorchemny said. "But the best thing has been playing with and coaching my 31-year-old-son Andrew since he was 12 years old."