"That was quite an experience to see him," said longtime Raptors fan Bud Jackson, who was one of the 4,864 fans at Lindquist Field that saw the 18-year-old Fielder's professional debut.

"You hope by getting a guy you draft No. 1 that he's going to be an impact player," then-Ogden manager Tim Blackwell said at the time. "Well, based on what happened tonight, he certainly made an impact."

Fielder was 1-for-3 with an infield hit, walk and strikeout before his ninth inning at-bat. He arrived in Ogden the day of the game, playing first base and batting cleanup. His grand slam against Idaho Falls is memorable not only because it tied the game but also because of the distance traveled. Clearing the scoreboard in left field is no small feat, and especially from the left side of the plate.

"I was a little anxious and nervous (to start the game), then coach told me to try and hit to center field," Fielder said shortly after hitting the grand slam. "I was just hoping to hit the ball hard somewhere. This is a dream come true right here."

Fielder has obviously moved on to bigger and better things since his days in Ogden. He was named to the National League all-star team in 2007. In January, he agreed to a two-year contract with the Brewers for $18 million.

Ogden fans have also moved on, as they've continued to support their Raptors since the team's inception in 1994.

They've seen current Brewers such as Fielder, J.J. Hardy, Bill Hall and Corey Hart make their way through Ogden. The franchise switched its affiliation to the Dodgers in 2003, and have seen talents such as starting pitcher Chad Billingsley and catcher Russell Martin begin their pro careers.

"A whole bunch of them went through here," Jackson said.

And none bigger than Fielder.

E-mail: aaragon@desnews.com