Golden Baseball League Suspends Franchise In Tijuana
Published on May 7, 2009 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Edmonton, AB - The Golden Baseball League announced today that the expansion Tijuana Potros have been forced to shelve plans to participate in the upcoming 2009 season. The health risk issues that have erupted world wide the last few weeks which has resulted in sports facility closings, uncertainty of stadium availability, and government mandates limiting public gatherings, particularly in Mexico, have all contributed to an impossible business environment to launch and operate the Potros this season.
"The H1N1 virus health risk and the necessary government response and actions have wreaked havoc with the economy and businesses small and large througout the country of Mexico," said Tijuana Potros President Jose Manuel Pena. "It is not possible to operate with this uncertainty that keeps sponsors from committing, fans from buying tickets, and the stadium unavailable to host public events. We know this will pass and the Potros will be ready to play next year."
With just 2 weeks left prior to the start of the season, the Golden Baseball League has amended the schedule to play with nine teams for this year. This solution leaves the schedules for all teams unchanged, with the exception of series that were to be played versus the Potros. Those series, which average just four home contests per team, are now open dates and will be used either for off days or may be filled with special games played outside of the official schedule.
A dispersal draft of the players under contract with the Potros will occur in the next few days and all Potros players will either be assigned to a new GBL team or given their release.
"The Edmonton Capitals are disappointed that the Tijuana Potros will not be joining us this GBL season." said Capitals Governor Patrick LaForge. "No one could have predicted the current global situation the H1N1 virus has created. It's affected all facets of the entertainment and hospitality industry from airlines, hotels and professional baseball leagues. We support the league's decision and will continue our planning for what we know will be an exciting inaugural season for Capitals baseball."
The suspension of the Tijuana franchise leaves a 3 game gap in the home schedule August 21st to the 23rd and the club is working on alternative options to fill those dates on the schedule.
Capitals Season Seats are one of the most affordable entertainment options in the city with seats for less than $9 per game. The Capitals home opener is set for Thursday May 21st against the Victoria Seals.
For more information, please contact Edmonton Capitals Manager, Marketing & Communications Jenny Adams @ jadams@capsbaseball.ca.
Golden Baseball League Stories from May 7, 2009
- Tijuana Potros Put on Hold For 2009 - Long Beach Armada
- Vipers Thrown a Mexican Curve - Calgary Vipers
- Golden Baseball League Suspends Franchise In Tijuana - Edmonton Capitals
- Tijuana Potros Put on Hold for 2009 Season in GBL - GBL
- Seals Open Spring Training - Victoria Seals
- Armada invites 44 to training camp - Long Beach Armada
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