The Edmonton Capitals announced today they have officially joined the North American League. The newly created NAL independent baseball circuit will include the Capitals' previous league, the Golden Baseball League, as well as the Northern League and the United Baseball League. The Capitals competed in the GBL for the 2009 and 2010 seasons, and the league announced it has joined in the creation of the new professional independent league. The North American League will cover many of the major markets in the United States and Canada in 2011, with expansion already in place for 2012. "The Capitals are excited about the creation of the North American League and are impressed with its potential for growth and development," Edmonton Capitals Governor Patrick LaForge said. "This league merger allows us to deliver the best possible baseball product, and we're very excited for the 2011 season, as well as the bright future of independent baseball in Edmonton." The 2011 North American League season will consist of six teams in the Western Division (Edmonton, Calgary, Chico, Maui, Yuma and Henderson, Nevada) and six teams in the Eastern Division (Edinburg, Lake County, Rockford, San Angelo, Schaumburg and Rio Grande Valley). The NAL has released the 2011 preliminary schedule, and the 96-game season is set to open on Wednesday, May 25. The Capitals will announce their full detailed schedule at a later date. The Capitals are hosting their Winter Fest player and coach camps this weekend at the St. Francis Xavier Baseball Academy (9250 - 163 Street). Sessions are scheduled tonight from 6pm to 9pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Winter Fest instructors include Edmonton Capitals Field Manager Orv Franchuk, Capitals Pitching Coach Mark Randall, Capitals Director of Baseball Operations Gord Gerlach, Capitals 2010 Pitcher of the Year Lou Pote, Capitals pitcher and former Major Leaguer Mike Johnson, St. FX Baseball Academy lead instructor Sheen Bromley, T2 Motion Analysis president/operator Wayne Ryder and Edmonton Eskimos Head Athletic Therapist Nate Hay. The Capitals invite all media to attend Winter Fest for photo and interview opportunities pertaining to the NAL as well as the player and coach camps.
