In most cases, they are only first- and second-year professionals, but for some the Pioneer League has been the beginning of greatness.

For example, Joey Votto, Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Jay Bruce and Jake Peavy are alums of the Pioneer League, which kicks off its schedule Monday with the Ogden Raptors hosting Grand Junction and the Orem Owlz at Idaho Falls.

All games begin at 7 p.m.

The Owlz return six players from last season, including Andrew Ray and Drew Martinez, picked in the 5th and 10th rounds, respectively, of the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft

Among the new faces is 2012's 5th round pick, Mark Sappington.

The Owlz will open their home schedule against Ogden on June 21st.

The Raptors, who lost to Great Falls last year in the Pioneer League championship series, return 10 players, including pitchers Derek Cone, Carlos De Aza, Michael Drowne, Kazuki Nishijima and Jason West.

Darnell Sweeney, the 13th round pick from Central Florida, makes his professional debut.

Ogden's attendance of 130,817 last year topped the PL.