Rookie Level Ball Opens tonight with the Orem Owlz looking to beat rivals in Ogden and beyond, capture another Pioneer league title and develop Future Angels in the process. Oh and most importantly, maintain the single coolest team logos in all of professional sports.
Here are the headlines up in Utah ahead of tonight's season opener:
Pioneer league: Fan-friendly fun — Ogden Raptors, Orem Owlz hope for big things on field, in stands
Over the last decade, the Orem Owlz and Ogden Raptors have built up an intense minor league baseball rivalry.
•The team's goal is to draw 3,000 fans per game.
Owlz to benefit from returning players, longtime coach
In a baseball league where rosters change dramatically every year, and sometimes from week-to-week or even day-to-day, Tom Kotchman remains.
•How long until Angels fans sing Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" in imagining a winner like Tom Kotchman running the show in Anaheim.
Meade, Odom look to improve Owlz’ efforts on the moundPitching coach Zeke Zimmerman, who has been with the Angels organization since 1993, has high hopes for this year’s pitching rotation after the Owlz finished in the middle of the Pioneer League pack last season (fourth, 4.50 ERA) "We have great scouts that not only recruit good talent, but also good people," Zimmerman said.
•I feel better knowing we lead the minors coaching in awesome baseball names. Zeke Zimmmerman, seriously!
Good luck all around for Cowart, Owlz
Kaleb Cowart has fancy rims on his car wheels and speaks with a slight southern drawl...
•Cool profile of Angels 2010 #1 draft choice Kaleb Cowart and how he will fit in both to the Orem Owlz and to the local community...