CANADA – Edmonton’s Golden Baseball League franchise is proud to introduce the Edmonton Capitals as the team’s new name. The new moniker pays homage to Alberta’s capital and reflects qualities of wealth, prominence and many redeeming qualities that makes the City of Edmonton one of the best cities in the world.

Professional baseball has a rich, deep history in our city and the Edmonton Capitals will carry on that tradition and instill a sense of pride in whomever dons the soon to be unveiled new jersey and steps on to Telus Field, one of the best minor league baseball stadiums in all of North America.

“First of all, I’d like to congratulate Daryl Katz and the Rexall Sports Corporation for stepping up to the plate and stabilizing the professional baseball scene here in Edmonton.” said Edmonton Oilers President & CEO and Capitals Governor Patrick LaForge.

“We finally have a pro sports team in this city that we can call the Capitals. We live in the provincial capital, the oil capital of Canada and the name symbolizes all that makes this city stand out above the rest. This franchise will be dedicated to filling a void here in our city for family focused, safe and affordable entertainment in the form of a terrific sports entertainment package.”

The Capitals also introduced the coaching staff for the upcoming 2009 season. Former Major Leaguer and Illinois native Brent Bowers returns for another season as Field Manager. Locals Mark Randall and Gord Gerlach join the team as Pitching Coach and Hitting Coach, respectively.

The Edmonton Oilers also announced some company restructuring that will establish the Edmonton Captials head office staff.

The new Director of Business Operations is Jordi Weidman who transitions from a communications role with the Edmonton Oil Kings. Craig Tkachuk moves over from Edmonton Oilers Facilities Manager to become the General Manager of Telus Field. Former V.P. Ticket Sales for the Edmonton Oilers Sean Price assumes his new role of V.P. for both the Capitals and Edmonton Oil Kings.

The Edmonton Capitals recently held a ‘Re-name The Team’ contest and received over 2000 suggestions for possible new names. Miranda Diakiw was selected in a random draw from a pool of other contestants that also submitted ‘Capitals’ for the team’s new name. Diakiw wins the grand prize that includes a luxury suite to watch the Edmonton Capitals versus the Victoria Seals on opening night May 21, 2009.

DESIGN OUR LOGO CONTEST

Now that the Edmonton Capitals have a new name, the team has launched a ‘Design Our Logo’ contest. The winner of this contest will receive a pair of Edmonton Capitals Season Seats for the 2009 season and will be recognized with a commemorative plaque at the ballpark outlining their contribution to the team. Fans can submit their entries at the new team website www.capsbaseball.ca , by regular mail or by dropping off in person at the Edmonton Capitals Head Office located at 11230-110 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5G 3H7. Contest closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday March 27, 2009.

Courtesy of the Edmonton Capitals

Tags: Independent League