Pioneer League: Watch tomorrow's baseball stars today

Baggott says the Raptors' attendance supremacy could be challenged this year by the Grand Junction (Colo.) Rockies, formerly the Casper (Wyo.) Ghosts. During the offseason, they were purchased by the Colorado Rockies, who moved the franchise to Grand Junction, where they'll play in an 11,000-seat stadium.

Ogden hosts Grand Junction in its season-opener on Monday night.

This year, the Raptors' theme is "It's Magical" — a play on the fact that former NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson is now part-owner of the Raptors' parent Los Angeles Dodgers' franchise. Baggott is hoping that "Magic" might make a special guest appearance at Lindquist Field this season.

And who could blame him?

After all, one of minor league baseball's favorite slogans is, "Watch the Stars of Tomorrow Today."

And when it comes to the Pioneer League's Raptors and Owlz, that slogan has certainly proven to be true, time after time.

email: rhollis@desnews.com

Ogden Raptors

Established: 1994

Home park: Lindquist Field (capacity 7,000)

Manager: Damon Berryhill (4th season)

Pioneer League championships: None

Last year: Won the first-half title in Southern Division, defeated Orem in first round of playoffs before losing to Great Falls in the league championship series. It was the second straight season the Raptors lost in the league championship series.

2012 season-opener: Monday vs. Grand Junction, Colo.

Orem Owlz

Established: 2001 (as Provo Angels)

Home park: Brent Brown Ballpark (capacity 5,000) on the campus of Utah Valley University

Manager: Tom Kotchman (12th season)

Pioneer League championships: 4 (2004, 2005, 2007, 2009)

Last year: Won second-half title in the Southern Division, lost to Ogden in first round of the playoffs

2012 season-opener: Monday at Idaho Falls

2012 home-opener: Thursday vs. Ogden