Friday marks one of the best times of the year in York County, as the Sanford Mainers kick off their New England Collegiate Baseball League season.

The beginning of this baseball season also marks the official beginning of summer in Maine. That means warm weather, barbecues, beach time, hiking, camping and whatever else one can think of doing in Maine.

It also means relaxing with family or good friends while watching one of America’s favorite ”“ and oldest ”“ pastimes: Baseball.

For 10 years, families in Sanford have enjoyed taking their children to Goodall Park, where baseball legend Babe Ruth once played. On a warm summer night, these families have enjoyed numerous Division I college baseball standouts compete in baseball. Some of these players have later graced the Major League Baseball stage.

Every season for the past decade, Sanford has welcomed a team of players who come from all over the United States, Canada, and at times, South America. Fans have treated these players as local heroes, supporting the team and celebrating an American summer tradition of watching quality, live baseball for more than 120 years.

This season is particularly notable, however, as York County residents can double their enjoyment of this summer ritual as Old Orchard Beach ushers in its first NECBL team, the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide.

Baseball in the small York County coastal town makes sense. It is a summer game and Old Orchard Beach is synonymous with summer fun. From the beach to the theme park to the streets bustling with tourists and residents alike, Old Orchard Beach has been one of Maine’s top summer destinations for decades. By adding baseball back to The Ballpark, the town is creating an even more family friendly atmosphere to boost its bevy of attractions.

Baseball in Old Orchard Beach will allow fans to expand their summer experience by watching affordable baseball games while having the chance to entertain the family in a relaxing way.

Having both the Mainers and the Raging Tide playing only 40 minutes apart allows York County a greater chance to become a bigger tourist destination by giving visitors ”“ and residents ”“ an opportunity to experience a summer rite. If in Portland, go see the Portland Sea Dogs play minor league baseball. If in Sanford, take the family to the Sanford Mainers. If in Old Orchard Beach, watch the Raging Tide play at one of the most historic baseball venues in Maine.

Either way, a fan of the game can’t lose with these great options to celebrate this American pastime close to home on a summer evening.

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Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.