The North Dufferin Baseball League kicks off its 2012 regular season this weekend, but the two Orillia-based squads will have some extra preparation time before hitting the diamond.

The city's new entry in the junior division, the Orillia Minors, will begin their inaugural campaign a week from Friday (May 11) when they play host to the Creemore Braves at Carmichael Park at 6:30 p.m.

The Minors will play their opening three games at home (Carmichael Park) as they also welcome the Richmond Hill Phoenix May 13 (4 p.m.) and the Barrie Red Sox on May 18 (6:30 p.m.) before playing their first road game May 23 against the Twins in Midland.

The city's senior-division team, the Orillia Majors, kick off their season at home May 9 as they welcome the Ivy Leafs to Tudhope Park for a 7:30 p.m. tilt. They'll then hit the road for a game with the Mansfield Cubs May 13 at 5 p.m.

The senior division in 2012 will feature 14 teams, while the junior division will comprise seven clubs.

In opening senior action this coming Saturd ay, the New Lowell Knights tangle with the Creemore Braves while the Bolton Dodgers take on the Midland Indians.

Sunday play includes Creemore Braves at Barrie Angels, Bolton Dodgers visiting Clearview Orioles, New Lowell Knights at Orangeville AIRFX, Aurora Jays taking on the Lisle Astros and Mansfield Cubs at Ivy Leafs.

The Creemore Braves travel to Barrie Red Sox on Sunday night in the lone junior division weekend tilt. The remaining teams, including the Minors, see action later in the week.

Regular season play runs to the end of July with the senior teams playing a 26-game schedule and junior teams playing a 24-game schedule.

For the full league schedule, visit the North Dufferin Baseball League's web-site at www.ndbl.ca.