OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The Old Orchard Beach Surge have had quite a run lately with players getting called up to a higher level independent league. Several players are now in the Atlantic League and now three former Surge players are with the American Association’s Joplin Blasters after the signing of Tucker White and Joe Coyne.

White and Coyne received the call over the weekend and will be joining former University of Maine standout Scott Heath in Missouri.

“It was what they were working for all season ”¦ using this as a stepping stone to keep progressing and keep prolonging their baseball careers as much as they can,” said Surge General Manager Alex Markakis.

The signing also marks the third player from a Maine college to be signed by the Blasters, as White is a product of the University of Southern Maine and Coyne played at St. Joseph’s College.

“I think it (proves) that Maine is underrated as far as talent goes. It helps build credibility,” said Markakis.

Making the move to Joplin wasn’t an easy decision for Coyne as players in the American Association ”“ like players in the North Country Baseball League ”“ don’t make a lot of money, but play for a chance to get noticed by Major League Baseball scouts.

“Joe asked me right away, ”˜do you think it’s worth it?’ And I said, ”˜Joe, this might be the only opportunity you get in your life. Whether you are a backup catcher right away, you have to start somewhere, you have to build your resume,’” said Markakis.

White and Coyne earned this chance by leading the Surge in batting throughout the entire season. White has actually led the entire NCBL in hitting and Coyne has been in the top five in the league for most of the year.

The two former Surge players will now join a team that boasts two former Major League Baseball players on its roster, according to Markakis.

“You have these two guys, who are Division III Maine guys, and they are playing with major league guys on their team. I think it’s eye-opening and humbling in a way for (Coyne and White),” said Markakis.

One problem that the departure of Coyne and White leaves Markakis is replacing two starters before the NCBL playoffs start on Wednesday.

“Thats the nature of this ”¦ I’m starting to get the hang of it. Your good guys are always getting taken away from you because they deserve opportunities,” said Markakis. “It leaves us in a tough position, but you just have to make phone calls left and right ”¦ but it’s fun.”

— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.