I have been living in York County for a little over nine months now and have found plenty of things I love about the area. At the top of that list is the ability to drive just a short distance to watch some great baseball.

Just this past weekend, I took in a North Country Baseball League game in Old Orchard Beach as a fan and then made the trip to Sanford to cover the New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star festivites at Goodall Park.

Before moving to Maine, I had never heard of the Sanford Mainers or Goodall Park. But, in my short time living in the area, I have quickly come to respect the residents of Sanford as some of the best baseball fans I have ever seen.

The Mainers get a ton of support from the Sanford community and, in return, put on a great show everytime they hit the field at historic Goodall Park.

In Old Orchard Beach, the independent professional baseball team ”“ the OOB Surge ”“ has also been putting an impressive product on the field. Unfortunately for the Surge, the support from the local community has been lacking to say the least.

The management of the Surge ”“ led by General Manager Alex Markakis ”“ has worked hard to bring excitement back to The Ballpark, but so far, they haven’t had much to show for it.

Now, I understand that this is the first year for the Surge, but I have to admit I expected more than a couple hundred fans to show up and support a professional squad.

The Surge players have worked hard ”“ both on and off the field ”“ to bring something special to OOB.

If you were to head to The Ballpark for a game, you would see players interacting with fans of all ages, but especially trying to make their games special for young fans.

Officials for the Surge have also made sure that there are plenty of in-game promotions going on ”“ from the dizzy bat race to fans dancing on the dugout to the “YMCA.”

Now, I might understand the lack of support if the prices were outrageous for the Surge, but that’s not the case. Tickets are just $5 and kids 7-and-under are absolutely free. Not to mention, unlike major league stadiums, the prices at the concession stands are also very reasonable.

Hopefully, over time, residents from OOB, Saco, Biddeford and beyond will take a page out of the Sanford playbook and support the local team.

NOTE: There is still time to support both the Mainers and Surge this season. For more information on both squads go to www.sanfordmainers.com and www.oobsurgebaseball.com.

— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.