Jerry DeLair: the Cape Region’s games master
After nearly 20 years in the military, Jerry DeLair was ready for something new. That something was surprising to even him.
In 2016, DeLair was stationed in San Diego and had quit drinking. He was looking for something to keep him active, so he started taking part in the local chapter of the Varsity Gay League, now known as OutLoud Sports, which organizes sports teams for members of the LGBTQ community, although everyone is allowed to participate.
“In San Diego, I started playing dodgeball, which then led to kickball, which led to me running dodgeball in San Diego. So when I moved here, I asked the owners whether I could start a Varsity Gay League in Rehoboth. They said, ‘We don’t know the demographics.’ I said, ‘I don’t either.’ Before I even moved here in March of last year, I was emailing Diego’s and Aqua trying to hit the ground running,” he said.
DeLair started running kickball and bowling games, quickly accumulating eight bowling teams and two kickball teams. Now, he said, there are 22 bowling teams and three kickball teams, plus corn hole and dodgeball with softball hopefully on the horizon. Kickball is held at Beacon Middle School, corn hole at Crooked Hammock in Lewes, dodgeball at Sussex Consortium and bowling at Millsboro Lanes.
DeLair said bowling and corn hole are the most popular sports, with corn hole becoming so large so fast that they had to move from Aqua in Rehoboth to Crooked Hammock to accommodate 24 teams.
“I had no idea,” DeLair said of the rapid growth of the sports leagues.
There is a fee to register for the sports and those wishing to participate may sign up with a team or as a free agent. Corn hole and bowling have sold out and are past the registration period, but those interested can still register for kickball and dodgeball. With registration, players get a league shirt for whatever sport. DeLair said there are open plays available for those on the fence who want to see what the games are like before registering.
Local businesses have chipped in to help out: besides Crooked Hammock and Millsboro Lanes, Aqua sponsors kickball, while The Pond sponsors dodgeball.
DeLair said he came to Rehoboth to enjoy a slower pace of life after retiring from the Navy after 20 years of service. Originally from Baltimore, DeLair was familiar with Rehoboth after visiting Ocean City, Md. Like many retired people, DeLair has found that he’s busier in retirement than when he was working.
“I didn’t know it was going to be this busy,” he said. “It was much-needed though.”
As for why he does it, DeLair said, “I just enjoy bringing people together. I don’t need anything for it. I’m doing what I enjoy. This is what I enjoy, bringing people together.”
For more information on registration, go to outloudsports.com/rehoboth.
