The boys of summer are back, and that means baseball. What better way to spend a summer day than watching a baseball game with friends and family?

Those not interested in driving to Salt Lake City can enjoy the Great American Pastime, too. The Ogden Raptors, a fan favorite, have led the Pioneer League in attendance for the last nine years, averaging more than 3,500 baseball fans per game. Located at Lindquist Field in Ogden, the Raptors offer fun for everyone at a sensible price.

Tickets range from $4-$8; children younger than three are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or by calling 393-2450.

The community came out to try for spots in the Ogden Outlaws soccer team at Fisher Park March 3 and 4. The Ogden Outlaws provide an inexpensive summer recreational activity the community can enjoy. The Outlaws will be involved in an exhibition game with the Real Salt Lake Soccer Team.

 "Its just fun!" said team president Dave Baggott. "You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy yourself. It is a great place to relax and unwind. People come with their family or friends, forget about their troubles and have a great time."

The Salt Lake Bees, formerly the Stingers, and Buzz, have opened their season, promising fans memorable and exciting games. Ticket prices are reasonable, ranging from $3-$20, depending where you sit. For $25, students can buy a special season pass called the "Student Pass," which provides access to the general admission seating area.

Addressing the fans, Bees general manager Marc Amicone stresses the team's overall value on the Bees' Web site.

"Special events, discounts on merchandise, significant savings on ticket prices (including discounts to Utah Jazz games), this season promises more fan benefits than ever before."

One of the great benefits of minor league baseball is the opportunity to see players before they become major league stars. David Ortiz was "Big Popi" in Salt Lake before helping the Boston Red Sox win the 2004 World Series. Pitcher Ben Sheets began his career with the Raptors, before becoming an all-star Cy-Young candidate with the Milwaukee Brewers.

So, baseball lovers, or those just seeking a good time, should mark a date in their summer calendars to see the Raptors or the Bees, before the team decides to change their name again.

Those not interested in baseball can enjoy major league football, or soccer, as the Yanks like to call it.

In their second year of existence, Real Salt Lake play at Rice-Eccles stadium at the University of Utah. They move to their new stadium in Sandy next year.

For a major league team, tickets are reasonably priced in an effort to help cultivate the international sport here in America. Prices vary from $26 VIP seats to $13 general admission seats.

WSU soccer fans not interested in patronizing a soccer game at a certain school down south, do not have to travel too far to enjoy the game. The Ogden Outlaws begin their inaugural season May 18 against BYU at Ogden High School. The Outlaws play in the United Soccer League (an amateur league), that is a mix of high school- and college-age players looking to sharpen their skills while getting experience at a professional level.

Outlaws head coach Mike Hickman believes the Ogden community will strongly support the new team.

"You don't have to be a soccer fan to enjoy the game," Hickman said. "Our team is fun to watch and is very entertaining. The players really display a passion for the game, which I believe the fans will embrace."

The Utah Jazz will once again present their annual basketball summer league, The Rocky Mountain Revue. The revue is a program where rookies and players in need of greater development play basketball games to help improve their skills.

The games, at various locations throughout the Wasatch Front, offer fans a chance to see the next great Jazz player at a reasonable price. More information will be released on the revue after the NBA playoffs; however, fans can go to the Utah Jazz Web site to get all the details.

Fans can enjoy other sporting events without worrying about their wallet. For practically no cost, fans can go to the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden and enjoy great racing spectacles such as horse racing, rodeos, drag racing, demolition derbies and monster truck rallies. For schedule dates and ticket information, go to the Weber County Web site and click on the Golden Spike Arena page.

Southwest of the Great Salt Lake in the Bonneville Salt Flats, NASCAR lovers can enjoy excellent racing at Rocky Mountain Raceways. RMR offers everything for the racing enthusiast: a NASCAR sanctioned racetrack, motocross events and high-speed drag racing. Event information and ticket purchases can be handled through www.rmrracing.com.

Fans do not have to wait until WSU's football season begins to enjoy great local sporting events. Families can choose from a wide range of activities, without breaking their budgets. Summer break will go by very quickly, so play hard and have fun. See you in the fall!